MrsMeyerMusic
Well-known member
My husband and I have been asked to play at a Baby's First Luau. What music would be appropriate that event?
briefly, with few wahine (Maoli or Local) and the mortality rate of babies in hawai`i during plantation days being very high, they celebrated the first year of a baby's life with a big lu`au.
i'm assuming the people are from Hawai`i (I have `ohana stay wisconsin), so I'd try to ask them on what kine Hawaiiana they want. could range from Hapa Haole, to Renaissance, to Jawaiian. maybe mix it up.
Origins of the Lu`au
In ancient times the Hawaiian people would gather together to celebrate auspicious occasions with a feast. These celebrations were held for many reasons, including to honor a great victory in war or noble warrior or to celebrate a bountiful harvest or the birth of a new child. The Hawaiians believed that it was important to honor their gods and to seek their fellowship, help or pardon. They believed that prosperity should be shared with family and friends. This celebration was called ‘aha‘aina meaning gathering (‘aha) for a meal (‘aina).
Referring to these celebrations as lu‘aus came much later in 1856 (Pukui-Elbert Hawaiian Dictionary, 1971). Lu‘au, in Hawaiian, means the young edible leaves of the taro plant. These leaves were traditionally used to wrap food that was placed in an imu (underground oven).
‘O Tiare
Justin Kawika Young
F
So new is your smile
.........Bb.................F
And your eyes they shine so bright
..........C7........................F.....C7
When you sleep the world waits for you
F
So small in daddy’s arms
Bb.....................F
And so loved in Mama’s touch
.......C7..........................F.....F7
As you grow you sisters will guide you
Chorus
Bb
‘O Tiare
C7 F
Ia . . alofa le atua
Bb C7 F
Ma tausi ia . . . teoi
As we leave on that road
Through the desert darkened night
We’ll take new memories of you
Each time we return
Seems you’ve grown so much so fast
But your smile is never fading
Chorus
So new is your smile
And your eyes they shine so bright
When you sleep the world waits for you
Chorus (2X)
O O Oh Tiare