Lono

Definition

Lono is one of the principal deities in Hawaiian mythology, associated with agriculture, fertility, and the harvest. As a god of peace and prosperity, Lono is celebrated during the Makahiki season, which honors the renewal of the land and the abundance it provides. His significance extends through various aspects of Hawaiian culture, including oral traditions, social structures, and spiritual practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lono is often depicted with symbols of fertility, such as the rain and clouds, emphasizing his role in ensuring a bountiful harvest.
2. The Makahiki season lasts for four months, during which war was forbidden, and people would celebrate Lono through games, feasting, and religious rituals.
3. Lono was sometimes invoked during agricultural practices to ensure good crops, reflecting the close relationship between spirituality and daily life in ancient Hawaii.
4. The makahiki festival includes various mele (songs), oli (chants), and mo'olelo (stories) that narrate Lono’s importance in Hawaiian culture and identity.
5. The imagery of Lono can be seen in traditional Hawaiian art and heiau (temples), highlighting his enduring influence on spiritual and cultural practices.

Review Questions

• How does Lono's role as a deity connect to the social structures and celebrations within ancient Hawaiian society?
  • Lono's significance as a god of agriculture and fertility directly influenced social structures in ancient Hawaiian society, especially during the Makahiki festival. This time of year marked a period of peace where warfare ceased, allowing communities to come together in celebration. The festivities included feasting, games, and religious rituals dedicated to Lono, reinforcing community bonds while acknowledging his vital role in ensuring abundant crops and prosperity.
• Discuss how the oral traditions surrounding Lono contribute to understanding Hawaiian spirituality and cultural identity.
  • Oral traditions like mele, oli, and mo'olelo are key to understanding how Lono is woven into Hawaiian spirituality and cultural identity. These traditions convey stories of Lono’s deeds and characteristics, helping to instill values of respect for nature and the importance of agricultural practices. By recounting these narratives during celebrations like Makahiki, Hawaiians reinforce their cultural heritage and connection to their land while honoring Lono's blessings.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Lono on contemporary Hawaiian culture in terms of agricultural practices and environmental stewardship.
  • Lono's enduring legacy can be seen today in contemporary Hawaiian culture through a renewed focus on agricultural practices that promote sustainability and respect for natural resources. Events like the Makahiki are revitalized as not only cultural celebrations but also as platforms for educating communities about sustainable farming techniques. This connection highlights how traditional values rooted in reverence for deities like Lono can inform modern approaches to environmental stewardship and agriculture, bridging past beliefs with present-day practices.

Related terms

Makahiki: An annual festival in Hawaii that honors Lono, characterized by a time of peace, harvest celebration, and spiritual renewal.

Aloha ʻĀina: A Hawaiian value that expresses love for the land and its resources, connecting closely with Lono's associations with fertility and agriculture.

Kamehameha: The first king of Hawaii who united the islands, Kamehameha is often associated with Lono due to the emphasis on agriculture and prosperity during his reign.