How Do You Celebrate Your Holiday?

December 22, 2021

As a pacific islander and hula practitioner, my Kumu Hula (master teacher in the art of hula) reminds us each winter solstice to honor Lonoikamakahiki. In ancient times, the Makahiki season was a time for resting, feasting, and recounting the many blessings received during the year. To honor this tradition, we find ways to malama (care for) ourselves and loved ones and reflect with gratitude on the bounty of Aloha that we share and receive every day.
I am thankful to know each of you and to be part of SWAAAE and this DEI committee.
Many warm blessings go out to each of you this holiday season.

Maranda (Vaihiria Moanike’ala) Thompson

As a Japanese-American from Hawaii, New Year's Eve means eating soba noodles for longevity and cleaning house to clear out last year's energies. On New Year's Day, pounding mochi is a big tradition in Hawaii. I always buy a kagami mochi, which is two mochi cakes topped with a small orange, for good luck.

Lisa Watada

In the African American community I've always been told that you have to have black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. A plate of black-eyed peas or other beans is considered auspicious, auguring wealth and prosperity. In the American South, they are traditionally eaten on the first day of the year. Add cooked greens (the color of money) is said to make them even luckier.

Tony Guinn

SWAAAE loves to find reasons to celebrate…and what better time than the holidays! Check out the origins of some of the holiday celebrations and traditions that our SWAAAE members get excited about this month:

Kwanzaa - HISTORY

Hanukkah 2021 - Stories, Traditions & Origins - HISTORYLAS POSADAS - December 16-24, 2021 - National Today

History of Christmas - Origins, Traditions & Facts - HISTORYWinter Solstice - HISTORYThe Lunar New Year: Rituals and Legends | Asia for Educators | Columbia University