Makahiki

Definition

Makahiki is a traditional Hawaiian festival that celebrates the harvest season and honors the god Lono, associated with fertility, agriculture, and peace. This period typically lasts for four months, during which time warfare was forbidden, and various cultural practices such as games, feasting, and religious ceremonies took place. Makahiki embodies community values, spiritual beliefs, and agricultural practices that are central to Hawaiian culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Makahiki usually runs from late October to early February, aligning with the winter months when the land is most productive.
2. During makahiki, the people engage in various games and competitions such as ho'olauna (friendly contests) that foster community spirit and strength.
3. The season includes significant rituals like offerings made to Lono to ensure bountiful harvests and blessings for the community.
4. Warfare was strictly prohibited during this time, allowing communities to focus on peace, harmony, and celebration.
5. Makahiki also emphasizes sustainability and respect for natural resources, reminding participants of their responsibilities to care for the land.

Review Questions

• How does makahiki reflect Hawaiian cultural values and social structure?
  • Makahiki reflects Hawaiian cultural values through its emphasis on community bonding, respect for nature, and spiritual beliefs. The festival's activities encourage unity among participants, promoting collaboration through games and communal feasts. Additionally, the prohibition of warfare during this period highlights the importance of peace and harmony in Hawaiian society, reinforcing social structures that prioritize cooperation over conflict.
• In what ways does the celebration of makahiki serve to honor Lono and support agricultural practices in Hawaii?
  • The celebration of makahiki serves to honor Lono by incorporating rituals such as offerings and prayers aimed at securing his blessings for the upcoming planting season. These activities not only pay homage to the god of agriculture but also align with agricultural practices that emphasize sustainability and respect for the land. By celebrating this festival during the harvest season, Hawaiians acknowledge their dependence on Lono's gifts while reinforcing traditional farming techniques that sustain their communities.
• Evaluate how makahiki can be seen as a model for modern sustainability practices in Hawaiian society.
  • Makahiki can be evaluated as a model for modern sustainability practices because it embodies principles of environmental stewardship and community engagement that are vital today. The festival's focus on resource management during a time of celebration encourages Hawaiians to reconnect with their land and traditions. This connection fosters a sense of responsibility towards sustainable practices that protect ecosystems while promoting food security. By reflecting on these ancient customs, contemporary society can draw lessons on how to harmonize cultural heritage with modern environmental challenges.

Related terms

Lono: The Hawaiian god associated with fertility, agriculture, and peace, who is honored during the makahiki season.

Hula: A traditional Hawaiian dance that often tells stories and is an integral part of cultural ceremonies, including those during makahiki.

Aloha ʻĀina: A concept meaning love of the land, emphasizing the connection between Hawaiians and their environment, particularly evident in the practices during makahiki.