Travel Through Time

Conventional Wedding in Hawaii

Ancient history of Hawaii goes back to more than 1,500 years ago where Polynesians from the islands of Marquesas first invaded this great idealistic island. These sailors did travel almost 2,000 miles sailing in canoes and migrated to this beautiful island. Around, 500 years ago, settlers from Tahiti entered this island transporting their convictions in Gods & Demons and introducing a severe chain of command based on taboo system. The Hawaiian culture later boomed for over years; however the conflicts of land division between ruling group leaders were common.
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Since 1810, this island went on to unite all the islands of this region into one imperial kingdom. Then in the year 1819, Liholiho, son of King Kamehameha put an end to the taboo system. Slowly and steadily, this island started to become well-known to the world as it became a common port for many whalers, traders and seamen. All through these years of development, the native Hawaiian population was severely affected by the western bug. Western authority started becoming to develop and in the year 1898, the Hawaiian Island became a territory of US. And, in the year 1959, it went on to become the 50th state of United States of America.

Ancient Wedding Celebrations in Hawaii

In the ancient period, according to the Hawaiian customs there were no wedding ceremonies comparable to the modern wedding in this island. In fact, marriage as it is recognized in the modern world at present did not ever exist in Hawaii during the ancient times. As there was no government legal requirements, licensing and no divorce because if couples thought that their relationship was no longer to be fruitful then they would simply part their ways. Their children were later nurtured by the entire family as there was slight disorder in the lifestyle of those youngsters.

In the Hawaiian island most of the common people has customs that were entirely different from one district to the other, one island to the other and fro one family to the other. Choosing a partner was even easy as only as making a decision to share a sleeping cot and begin a new family or as detailed as the two families receiving together compliments, singing and exchanging gifts as the couples leave their bed. According to the Hawaiian custom the house literally belonged to the woman as it was referred to as women’s property and when the couple wanted to get separated from each other, only the man’s belongings were simply removed out from the house.

However, in the modern day the common law for marriage ceremony is known as noho pu. The members of the royal family used to celebrate the marriage ceremony in order to pair the couples however it was not projected to prove as a marriage in the western judgment. This marriage ceremony was organized to receive blessings of Almighty God on the children of the royal family. This was done in order to make sure that they were born with perfect minds and bodies and great spiritual power.

These marriage ceremonies also varied according to the family and locality and could be just as a royal couple being guided to their fresh sleeping hale & enfolded together in a pure white sheet. During this marriage ceremony all the couples family along with these family chanters and priests offered prayers and would sing for the offspring and union for the married couple. These weeding ceremonies extended up to a week and involved many family chanters, priests, interested parties and relatives. Some of the people also call this marriage ceremony as ho`ao.

Christian Style Marriages in Hawaii

In the year 1819, Christianity was for the first time introduced in this island and with that Christian style wedding ceremonies were also adapted by most of the families. Eventually, there after this style of organizing wedding ceremonies became the legal forms of marriages. The word male was translated from the English word marry by the Hawaiian people.

This innovative style of marriage involved feeding of poi, cake and anything else that symbolized that the new couple would take care of each other all through their life. What ever they do on their marriage day was in fact regarded as symbol oh how they would perform in their future. However, one of the occurrences like the mashing of cake into each others face is being regarded as a bad taste and is being referred to as one of the serious problems in the future marriages.

However, in the ancient marriage ceremonies organized in this island did not involve any cake. Instead, haupia which is a coconut pudding was being involved as it was one of the most famous treats that is been carried out for over 1,000 years. At present, haupia cake is said to be one of the most favorite and also an appropriate treats for all the Hawaiian marriages. Usually, haupia cake is prepared with a coconut flavored white cake which is coated with a haupia pudding and quite often it is decorated with fresh ferns and island flowers.
Ancient Wedding Culture and Tradition in Hawaii

In the traditional wedding ceremony in Hawaii, flower garlands which are known as leis are usually placed around the necks of both the groom and the bride. Leis actually symbolize respect and love and these flower garlands were created from some of the fragrant and beautiful flowers of this island. 40 or even more colorful flowers are collected for preparing each lei and are tied with a colorful ribbon. These colorful flower garlands are even symbols of Hawaiian tradition and culture and even an important part of every celebration that takes place in this island.

On the wedding day, the Hawaiian people also sing a very famous Hawaiian Wedding Song, which is said to be as the main part of a wedding service. The name of both the groom and the bride is being engraved onto their wedding rings in the Hawaiian language. Both the groom and the bride usually dress in white with the groom even wearing a red sash tied around his waist.

The chiefs of Hawaii created a political agreement by marrying both the commoners and the other royalties. Many of the chief’s of Hawaii had several wives and provided for taking up even the biological children. Also, engagements were being organized by the family members of both the groom and bride during their early adolescence or late childhood days.

When arrangements were being established by their parents these children’s used to gather in celebration of a Lei Day. Family members and the young people were being asked and later as the agreement for all the parties was obtained, the engagement was being organized. These tradition Hawaiian wedding ceremonies are still being organized with addition of whatever religious and civil sanction is essential for any legal intensions. There are even quite a few superstitions that are related with the Hawaiian weddings. The groom and the bride are not wished good luck on that auspicious day as it could result in a bad luck.

As birds sing in the trees and sea turtles swim in the surrounding ponds tropical flowers of various colors encircle the wedding party. The cuisine plays an important role in the Hawaiian wedding ceremony. Generally, the Hawaiian cuisine is mouthwatering and delicious prompting a downpour of set off taste. Away from the sun and heat of the city life, people come to this island to discover the rich heritage and culture of Aloha in order to add more dept to their visit.
Article by Agung is webmaster for http://www.bluehawaiiweddings.com which offers information to Maui wedding packages and honeymoons together with resources to affordable Hawaii vacation rentals ideal for your wedding party and honeymoon.