Ancient Hawaiians celebrated every harvest season with the Makahiki Festival, usually during late October or early November. It began on the new moon that occurred after the Pleiades constellation — aka the Seven Sisters — became visible above the horizon. This was a time when work and war were kapu and people celebrated the harvest. Makahiki continued for about four months on the ancient calendar.
Lono, the Hawaiian god associated with rain and fertility, was honored at this time. Followers of Lono collected offerings to the god and marked the beginning of the season. Makahiki meant a break in farming activities so that people could gather for feasting and competitive games, as well as to pay tithes to the chiefs and receive a portion of the harvest.
This was also a time to hold rituals to give thanks for the harvest and ask the gods for future prosperity. After the traditional ceremonies, rituals and festivities, the high chief could lift the kapu on farming. The planting cycle began anew and people resumed their normal lives.
Today, the Aloha Festivals celebrate the Makahiki tradition on Oahu. You will also find events scheduled throughout the state as a reminder of the harvest and replanting seasons the ancient Hawaiians celebrated.
One such event is the annual Kohala Aina Festival in Kapaau. This year’s event is slated from 1 to 9 p.m. Nov. 8 and marks the fifth year it has been sponsored by the Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture. As a celebration of local food, education and music, the festival is a community gathering as well as a fundraiser for HIPAgriculture. The organization offers sustainable agriculture courses as well as workshops and events that support agriculture that “honor indigenous wisdom, food sovereignty, and the transformational power of returning to the land.” Their mission includes the goal of teaching ways of living that improve human and environmental health.
The annual festival, as well as the sponsor, is in alignment with the spirit of makahiki. Several workshops are scheduled between 1 and 5 p.m. on agricultural topics. This year’s workshops will cover topics including soil fertility, beekeeping, seed saving and plant medicine as well as Hawaiian culture. The first annual Young Farmers Forum will bring together delegates from area high schools and young working farmers to discuss the career potential in sustainable agriculture. Attendees can also visit informational booths to learn more about issues facing agriculture today.
A Hawaiian style feast is also planned. Several area chefs have created the locally sourced menu and will prepare food in anticipation of around 1,000 diners. Casey Halpern, Executive Chef at Cafe Pesto, will be joined by Allen Hess, from the Mauna Lani Canoe House and Executive Chef Donna Maltz. Fresh coconuts, juices and snacks will also be available at the Niu Lani Juice Bar.
The festival is a family friendly event with activities for all ages.
From 5 to 9 p.m. keynote speakers and headline entertainment will be featured. Evening festivities will start with a blessing and performance by Halau Kukui Aloha o Kohala. Hawaii’s own Ooklah the Moc will start playing music at 6 p.m., followed by Nahko, the festival headliner. Tickets for the event are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children younger than 12 are free. For more information or to order tickets in advance go to kohalaaina2014.brownpapertickets.com or call 800-838-3006. Dashiell Kuhr is the HIPAgriculture contact for this event. He can be reached at 889-6316 or at hipagriculture@gmail.com.
Tropical
gardening helpline
Sam asks: One of my citrus trees has all this greyish white “paint” splattered on the leaves. It appeared suddenly and I am not sure what it is or what I should do about it. Can you help?
Answer: After inspecting the tree, I think the “whitewash” on your citrus leaves is bird feces. It is unclear what bird it was or how many visited your tree. The amount of bird guano that has collected on your tree’s leaves indicates that a flock may have landed there on a stopover or that a few birds are returning there to roost, frequently.
You should remove it right away so the surface of the leaves gets uncovered and they can resume normal photosynthesis.
Start by blasting the leaves with a hose. Once they are damp you can usually wipe the bird droppings off with a gloved hand. If it has been there a while you may need some help with a bit of soap and a rag or sponge. Once you have washed or wiped the individual leaves, be sure to blast again to get any remaining bits off.
Tie some old CDs or a big plastic owl in the tree to try to discourage the birds from returning.
Email plant questions to konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu for answers by Certified Master Gardeners. Some questions will be chosen for inclusion in this column.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living on an organic farm in Captain Cook.
