Hauʻoli Mahina Heleuī kākou!
Let's talk about Halloween ~
KILIKI O LAPU
At this point, you've probably figured out that Kiliki o Lapu means "Trick or treat." But what do the actual Hawaiian words mean? Let's parcel it out.
Kiliki = the Hawaiianization of the English word "treat." (Incidentally, it could also theoretically be the Hawaiianization of the word "trick.")
> Hawaiian doesn't really have the English equivalent of "treat." In English, we mean both food, like candy, and the action of doing something nice. Hoʻohauʻoli (= to make happy) might suggest something similar, but it still doesn't encompass everything English means by "treat" in the context of Halloween.
o = lest, or
> This tiny little word might trip some people up. It's not o like "of," and it's not 'o like the marker before a name. It means "lest," as in, "do this, lest/or something bad is gonna happen to you." Note how this "or" is not the same as the translation for a i ʻole!
Lapu = Ghost; the activity of a ghost, i.e., To haunt, be haunted
> Originally, "tricks" or pranks were performed on houses ostensibly because they were denied the requested "treats." Such activity included soaping windows, egging houses, and toilet-papering houses/trees. Performing such "tricks," though you might see it in rare cases, is outdated and is not standard anymore. Lapu gives that spooky feeling that the Lā Hoʻomākaʻukaʻu attempts to convey, and sidesteps the antiquated pranks.
"Trick-or-treating" is a relatively recent Halloween tradition, and it is uniquely American. Kiliki o lapu is an even more modern term. The phrase was created to be able to participate in Halloween festivities while speaking the Hawaiian language - but don't expect to find it in the nūpepa!
HALLOWEEN SONG
Did you know there is a Halloween song with lyrics in the Hawaiian language? It's not only catchy and perfectly sets the mood for the season, but it aptly introduces the typical monsters of Halloween. Here is Nā Tutua Heleuī, created and performed by Kama Hopkins:
Can you translate this song into English? Do it in the comments! That, or leave a question :)
STUFF YOU CAN BUY
It's so hard to find Hawaiian-language merchandise throughout the year, and now that the Halloween season is upon us, it's even harder to find any items relating to this holiday in which Americans come together and celebrate monsters. I took it upon myself to compile whatever I could find on the vast internet to find any such item, in hopes of keeping the Hawaiian immersion alive, at least around my house.
Here are some Halloween-themed paraphernalia that promote the Hawaiian language:
Kiliki o Lapu bag (for trick-or-treating)
Kiliki o Lapu tag (for attaching to gifts)
Greeting card (perhaps for a Hawaiian-speaking penpal?)
Long-sleeve shirt, "Hauʻoli Lā Heleuī" print (great icebreaker!)
It's not much, but it's honest work. I elected to exclude anything that is hapa haole - that is, English and Hawaiian both used on one item. Please note that Hawaiian Goodness is not affiliated with any of these shops, we're just spreading the word!
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In case you missed it:
~ Don't forget to check out our Halloween vocab page! Most of the terms used in the aforementioned Halloween song can be found there.
~ Check out the "Folklore" section on our Blog. There are a few spooky Hawaiian stories that might pique your interest! Primary sources are cited, so take a look at those if you'd like to peruse some original Hawaiian.
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Did I miss something? Leave a comment below of Halloween merchandise you found that's in the Hawaiian language, or perhaps an unknown Halloween song! :D
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