Aloha and welcome to August — a month where summer sunshine drizzles its golden hue over our beautiful Hawaii, painting a delightful picture of stunning beaches, radiant sunsets, and the onset of the season of Nā Lono, or the season of storms, according to the Hawaiian lunar calendar.
Did you know August is crowned as the month of the ‘hottest’ traditions here in Hawaii? It is fascinating to witness how the ethos of Hawaiian culture blends so beautifully with nature’s transitions. Today, let’s unravel an enigmatic gem from our culture — The Celebration of Lehua.
The Lehua flower, endemic to Hawaii, is an enchanting spectacle blooming profusely during this time of year. Renowned for its vibrant crimson hue, it brings a sense of joy and symbolizes an important aspect of our culture and mythology. Native stories romantically entwine this flower with volcanic fire goddesses and love legends, creating a fascinating blend of drama and emotion. So every time a Lehua blooms, it’s not just a flower, but a story unfurling its petals.
In Hawaiian mythology, the Lehua flower is deeply intertwined with the volcano goddess, Pele, and her human lover, Ohia. Pele became smitten with Ohia, but destiny played its cards differently, and Ohia’s heart was already claimed by the beautiful Lehua. Provoked by this rejection, Pele, in a fit of anger, transformed Ohia into a tree. Heartbroken, Lehua pleaded with the gods to reunite her with Ohia, and they listened, turning her into a flower on the Ohia tree.
Thus, it’s said that when one picks a Lehua flower, it causes rain, expressing the tears of separated lovers. So in reverence to this mystically beautiful lore, we let the Lehua flowers bloom undisturbed, carrying forward an age-old tradition that believes in respecting love, even if it is wrapped in folklore.
Beyond its cultural and mythical significance, the Lehua flower is also noted for its ecological impact. As a key species in Hawaii’s ecosystems, many native birds, such as the ‘I’iwi (Scarlet Hawaiian Honeycreeper), rely on Lehua blossoms for sustenance, coherently weaving ecological bonds strongly tied to our traditions.
As we celebrate August and gear up for the tempestuous beauty of Nā Lono, the humble Lehua serves as a vibrant reminder of love, resilience, and co-existence. It echoes the melodies of our land, the rhythm of our culture, and the heartbeat of our people.
So, next time when you come across a bunch of radiant Lehua flowers, remember, you’re not just looking at a Hawaiian flower— you’re witnessing an integral part of Hawaii’s natural and cultural tapestry, unfolding before your very eyes.
Until next time, wave your shakas, spread love, respect traditions, and keep the Hawaiian spirit alive in your hearts. Aloha!
