The Pride of the Hawaiian Culture By Srimal Fernando

 The Pride of the Hawaiian Culture

Monday, 21 February 2011 00:00
By Srimal Fernando

The Hawaiian greeting word, aloha, is known around the world and reflects the beauty not only of the fabulous islands but also of the Hawaiian people. Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean constitute the 50th state of the United States. Each year millions of visitors are drawn to its world famous islands of Oahu, Kauai, Niihau, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Maui and “Big Island” (Hawaii) islands to see its rich culture, pristine beaches, aquamarine seas, tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfall. The islands are also home to some of the most fascinating temples known as Heiau and to one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The Hawaiian chain of islands of United States comprises over a hundred islands and reefs stretching over 1,523 miles from south-east to north-west and lies more than 2,000 miles away from any other part of the United States. The country’s glory has always been its culture.  Its capital is Honolulu meaning “sheltered bay” and is situated in the island of O’ahu. H.E. Barack Obama is the first U.S President to have been born in Hawaii .The prominent land marks in the islands are the authentic war relic exhibits at the Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, Bishop Museum, Hawaii Opera Theatre and the Polynesian Cultural Center. The islands are the birthplace of modern surfing and the beautiful flowing dance performance known as Hula.  The islander’s culture is as vibrant and versatile as its landscape and natural beauty. The culture of the country boasts a rich history dating back to more than two thousand years. Most of the art works of the ancient Hawaii islanders are created both for aesthetic and functional purposes .Various masterpieces of artist who work with clay, glass, metal, fiber and wood are also popular in the islands. The islanders have a history of being expert canoe builders and also masters in non instrumental navigators in the ocean. This over whelming diversity makes the cultural scene of the islands very fascinating. Hawaiian lifestyle is a mixture of relaxing over a delicious meal and socializing with friends and family. This vibrant region offers the explorer a myriad of opportunities in cultures, festivals and in foods. The movements and passionate rhythms of islanders dance and music is an appropriate symbol for the Hawaiian islanders with a proud history.

The Islanders are natural musicians, who love to hear and sing good music. Be it classical music or western fusion music, Hawaii is the perfect place that has it all. Music has also grown to be a familiar and popular part of Hawaiian culture. Hawaiian folk music includes several varieties of chantings (mele) and its music meant for highly-ritualized dance (hula). Ever evolving from a beginning of simple drum beats and chats, music today is filled with multitudes of artists. The contemporary dances include modern jazz, lyrical jazz and hip hop .Hawaiian music has had an enormous impact on the music of other Polynesian islanders. It is also home to a number of renowned music institutions in several fields and was born out of the soulful sounds of religious chants and hymns.

Source : http://print.dailymirror.lk/life/132-life/36210.html

  Monday, 28 February 2011 00:00

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