On Saturday, May 30th we celebrated the 'Aha Hemo Kula, 5th grade graduation ceremony for Kamaehu's class at Ke Kula Kaiapuni 'o Maui. Kamaehu has been a Hawaiian Immersion student since preschool. The ceremony is grounded in traditional Hawaiian customs and traditions and is a "rite of passage" from Elementary to Middle School. I like to compare it to a traditional kaimua, which is the ancient ceremony where boys hume i ka malo, begin wearing the loin cloth attire and take on the kuleana of manhood.
Kumu Leina'ala Kuloloio Vedder is their Kumu and did an excellent job with the entire presentation. Below are pictures that capture the highlights of the days events.
Friends and 'ohana anxiously wait for the ceremony to begin. left to right - 'Anake Lani, cousin Kamaile, Granny, Ka'iliwai, Kamahiwa, 'Anake Momi and Tutu.
The graduates have their own table of honor with their makana (gifts) and pictures.
Na Keiki chant the Oli Kahea, a traditional entrance chant prior to entering the stage area. They wait for a response from Kumu. These chants are deeply rooted in tradition and often continued today in many halau hula, schools and other groups.
Kumu Leina'ala receives the students with an Oli Komo, a chant granting them permission to enter.
The keiki stand at the top of the stairs to their school and chant, Kumulipo, Wa 'Akahi, the first 120 lines of the creation chant. The entire chant is 2,000 lines long. They do this mele recongizing the beginning, the creation and their ancestral connection to all things in the universe.
Lamaku assists with the singing of Ho'onani I Ka Makua Mau (Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow), a mele pule or song of prayer.
Kumu opens the day by telling us stories about this "special" class. They have had many, many challenges along the way. Her theme is "It takes a village to raise a child", which is quite appropriate for this class. 8 different Kumu (teachers) played a significant role in the shaping and molding of these students.
Mrs. Jean Uemura, affectionately called "Aunty Jean" shares her experiences with this class during "Reflection Time". In her 40 years of teaching this is a class that she will always remember. In spite of the challenges, she tells us that this class has grown so much and in so many ways.
Kumu Kamaka'eu Williams for Papa 'Ekolu (third grade) addresses the group in Hawaiian. He reminds them of several lessons - i hewa ke keiki i ka makua, the child's mistakes is a reflection of the parent, i hewa ke keiki i ke kumu, the child's mistakes is a reflection of their kumu. He reminds them that each of them are a reflection of their 'ohana and their kumu and to make them proud. He tells them that they are akamai (smart) and not to continue being a challenging "kolohe" class, but to Kulia I Ka Nu'u, strive for the summit and be the best that they can be.
Lamaku recites his mo'oku'auhau (genealogy) and share his ha'i 'olelo (speech). He thanks his parents and Kumu for helping him along the way and says that he wants to become a Chef in the future. Maika'i e Lamaku!
Kamaehu recites his mo'oku'auhau and shares his ha'i 'olelo. He thanks his kupuna (grandparents), makua (parents) and kumu (teachers) for helping him. He says that the 'olelo no'eau Mai maka'u i ka hana, maka'u i ka moloa, dont fear hard work, instead fear laziness is the proverb he can relate to most because he was one of the students who didn't like doing his homework and class work. He shares that when his older he would like to be Painter because he wants to be just like his Dad. E ola ka haloa o ka 'ohana o Kamaehu Kamauliola Halaulani Kamalike Kawa'a!
Ehu aand Lamaku prepare to dance their mele hula. They are definitely makaukau (ready). Mahalo nui to their Kumu Hula for instilling a love of hula in their na'au.
Kamaehu dances He Mele No Ka Ua 'Ulalena about the reddish hued rains of Pi'iholo, a wahi pana (place name) in their moku (district) of Hamakuapoko.
During the kihei ceremony Kumu begins to cry as she 'a'ahu (ties) the kihei on Lamaku. Her heart is full as she thinks of all the times shared with our keiki. It is a very touching moment for us.
She takes the time to chant to each child, 'a'ahu i ke kihei, tie the kihei on them and then she embraces each one, as shown in this picture with Lamaku.
It is Ehu's turn to receive his kihei. As I watch Kumu chant and tie, I am reminded of why we chose to put our children in Hawaiian Immersion. This part of the ceremony is so heartfelt. It is the moment when Kumu, makua and 'ohana all affirm that the keiki has met all requirements and is now moving on in learning and in life.
The closing line of the kihei chant says, "Eia ke keiki a ke kupuna", here is the child of the ancestors. This moved me to tears as she chanted this line while holding Kamaehu. She was presenting him, acknowleding his kupuna who came before him and those present.
Ka Papa 'Elima, the 5th grade graduating class of Ke Kula Kaiapuni 'o Maui.
Kamalani poses with her youngest cousin, Ka'iliwai. She is so good with little ones.
Kamalani and her great grandmother, my maternal grandmother, Mary Momi Medeiros. The matriarch of our 'ohana. Kamalani is the 4th generation of eldest females - Granny is the eldest in her family, my Mom is the eldest in her family, I am the eldest and Kama is the eldest. Strong females!
Kamalei and Kamalani pose for the camera. They have both gone through this very special ceremony as 5th graders.
These native plants were selected as makana for the Kumu who touched the lives of our keiki. 'Ohi'a Lehua, Ma'o Hao Hele and a very rare 'Ohai. The plants were received from the Art Medeiros and the Auahi Restoration Project in Kanaio.
Kamaehu and Lamaku with Papa Dickie.
Kamaehu and Kumu Leina'ala. We will sorely miss her.
The graduates congregate at the food line. The meal was a Hawaiian feast complete with all the trimmings - kalua pig, lomi salmon, rice, poi, crab salad, potato macaroni salad, chicken and long rice, fresh poke, haupia and desserts - 'ono loa! Notice that the Daddy's ran the kitchen? Yes, an ancestral tradition I want to perpetuate! LOL
This year's each keiki received a t-shirt with the names of all of their classmates and the Kula Kaiapuni logo. They pose in this photo at their playground for one last class photo on the famous jungle gym.
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