Christmas
was not celebrated in Hawaii until the missionaries showed up in the 1820’s,
however, the Hawaiians traditionally celebrated the season with a festival
called Makahiki. The Makahiki festival started when the cluster of stars
known as the Pleiades appeared in the night sky and lasted several months. The
festival was celebrated with hula, songs, feasts, sports competitions and was
normally a time of peace. In 1856, King Kamehameha IV declared Christmas
to be a national day of Thanksgiving in Hawaii.
Now
days the Christmas season is the start of “high season” in Hawaii, a 90 day
period from December 15th though March 15th. During
high season, hotels and other tourist businesses double or triple their prices.
We are careful to avoid being stung by the special tourist prices that are so
prevalent during the holiday season. Yesterday, for example, we noticed
local avocados selling for $2.89 a pound at the local grocery store, which
makes a large avocado about $7; normally they sell for $2 a piece.
The
good side of the Christmas season in Hawaii are the colorful decorations in the
stores and hotel lobbies. The tourists seem cheerful and relaxed basking
in the warm tropical sun and playing in the ocean. Of course, the local
businesses and farmers are also cheerful during this season and excited by the
throngs of visitors to the island. All the communities on the islands
celebrate with parades, holiday lights, hula presentations, and festivals
during this season and the fantastic weather makes it easy to have fun and get
into the spirit.
Where ever you are, we hope you
are having a wonderful Christmas season.
Mele
Kalikimaka!
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