“He manu ke aloha, ‘a’ohe lala kau ‘ole.
Love is like a bird - there is no branch that it does not perch upon.
Love is an emotion shared by all.”
Birds are some of the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen. My husband and I love to watch birds on our vacations. So when hula choreography includes birds, I am hooked! Kuana Torres Kahele wrote, sang and choreographed an amazing song called Kukaniloko that includes two birds.
Kukaniloko is a place on Oahu where certain royal women went to give birth. It is located on the Wahiawa Plateau, in the center of the island, between two mountain ranges: the Waianae and the Ko’olau. It is the piko/center of the island and a powerful and peaceful spot. Kukaniloko means to anchor the cry from within. Childbirth can be such intense physical pain. How does one anchor the cry from within when giving birth? How do we find the strength and courage to do so? We find it by working with deep, deep suffering. To birth something new is a very great miracle.
The song tells the story of birth, the cutting of the umbilical cord, and the sounding of two great pahu (drums) which announce the new being to the entire island. Then comes the appearance of the ‘io/Hawaiian hawk, a symbol of vast vision and fearlessness. The ‘io is the greatest Hawaiian bird because it flies highest and closest to Akua/God.
The story continues with the golden ‘ilima (Sida fallax) blossom, flower of Oahu, made into a lei once only worn by high chiefs. The ilima flowers are associated with Laka, the deity of the hula. Leis also represent the circle of life.
Another of my favorites - the ‘o’o bird - formerly of the honeyeater family is now thought to be extinct. It was about 8 inches long, black with yellow/orange tufts. It was last seen on Kauai in 1987. When I dance the ‘o’o flying, it’s a symbol of all that is good and sacred and beautiful - if even just for a moment. There are more challenges ahead, but there is also more love, more peace, and more ways to be of service.
Zen priest/teacher and author Joan Halifax in her book Standing at the Edge says there’s an alchemy that happens when suffering and compassion dance. The gold of our character emerges - the gold of our hearts.
Wishing you all a very joyous and safe holiday season!!
Malama pono (take good care of body and mind),
June Kaililani Ryushin Tanoue
Kumu Hula, Sensei
P.S. Here are two videos of our hula at Cissy's 90th Birthday Party: Kukaniloko written and sung by Kuana Torres Kahele and Ha'ena I Ka Ehukai, written and sung by Kamaka Kukona.
