The Hawai’i Club of Notre Dame presented the Lu’au 2012 E Komo Mai at the Stepan Center. The LU’AU is one of the most universally recognized Hawaiian cultural practices, and Notre Dame’s version of this festivity did not disappoint.
Traditionally, LU’AUS were held to celebrate coming of age ceremonies, along with welcome meals for visitors. In fact, the word “luau” comes from the taro leaf used in the principal dish served at the feasts. The feasts continue today in Hawaii, and throughout the world, to celebrate birthdays and graduations. The luau is one way to share Hawaii’s native culture with visitors, and sharing this traditional practice with our university helps to bring the tropical culture to campus.
Freshman Colleen Doyle said that the event was both fun and educational.
“They served us traditional Hawaiian food, had a photo station where we could take pictures in grass skirts and other props in front of a beach scene backdrop, and presented many really cool dance numbers,” she said.
Mari Grief choreographed the traditional Hawaiian and Tahitian dances for the event. There was a mixture of all female numbers, all male performances, and joint dances. Arguably the most well-known of Hawaii dance forms, hula is used to pass on culture and values to the next generation.
The term “na mele” refers to the traditional songs of Hawaii. Written in a variety of styles, including contemporary ballads, the songs generally have one of two purposes. The first category of MELE is KAHIKO, which were songs and chants that honored gods and ancestors. The second category is ‘AUANA stories and legends.
This year, the event had music by the Hawaiian reggae band, Toes on the Noes. The song list included “No Ka Moku Kia Kahi,” “Sophisticated Hula,” and “Mele Ohana.”
For Notre Dame’s LU’AU, the Hawaii club worked to provide as many traditional foods as possible. The meal provided gave attendees great insight into the many flavors of Hawaiian culture. Menu items for this year included lomi-lomi salmon, shoyu chicken, kalua pig, and haupia, which received rave reviews.
Ellen Roof is a freshman studying psychology and business who welcomes career advice. Contact her at eroof@nd.edu.
