Kamehameha IV proclaimed 25th of December, the National Day of Thanksgiving in 1856. This allowed people of all religions to celebrate that day together. Two years later, Santa Claus made his first appearance in Hawaii, arriving at Washington Place (now the governor’s residence) to deliver gifts for the children. That was the home of John Dominus and is wife, the future Queen Lili'uokalani.The first Christmas celebration in Hawaii is believed to have occurred in 1786, when Captain George Dixon, docked aboard the Queen Charlotte in Waimea Bay on Kauai, commanded his crew to prepare a Christmas dinner that included roasted pig, pie and grog mixed with coconut milk. The English navigator then led his men in toasts to their families and friends back home.The Calvinists/Congregationalists were not inclined to observe that day with festoons and celebration; but other Christians like the Catholics, other Protestants, and Mormons did celebrate it great zeal. Those that weren't Christians could still celebrate that day in thanksgiving; and that they did. It was also a part of the Makahiki season and conducive to revelry and celebration; which of course, fit the lifestyle of the kanaka maoli regardless of what religion they practiced.The Americans celebrated their thanksgiving on the same day as we celebrate La Ku'oko'a, Independence Day on November 28th. To shroud that glorious day, they enforced their celebration of Thanksgiving Day on that date.Hawaiian National Memorial Observation, following in the path of Hawaiian ancestors who marked the 30th day of December as the Hawaiian Memorial day. This was the anniversary of our beloved Princess Nahi'ena'ena who passed away on this date in 1836, at the age of 21 years in Lahaina, Mau'i. She gave birth to a son in October 1836 and never recovered from childbirth.It's an opportunity given to members of the public who may wish to remember and memorialize Hawaiian national leaders and noteables who have passed away, both pre-American conspired invasion and occupation, and in more contemporary times of today. We should take the time to celebrate and memorialize these national holidays with great pride, nationalism, and as noble patriots of the Kingdom of Hawai'i.
Comments