On February 1, we observe Hula in the Coola Day. The holiday is a wonderful day where we perform the hula and imagine it’s summer in the dead of winter. It is a reminder that no matter how difficult life becomes, we should always appreciate the positive things. Hula in the Coola Day is a day to celebrate and recall the rich and vibrant Hawaiian dance, despite the cold weather.
HISTORY OF HULA IN THE DAY OF COOLA
Hula in the Coola is a day when we forget our winter worries and dance the Hula. The holiday cannot be tied to a single person or time, although it is associated with the Hula dance.
Hula is an ancient Hawaiian dance that is predominantly performed by women in Hawaii. They wear grass skirts, bright blouses, and lei head and wrist ornaments. The Hula dance is accompanied with a chant called “Oli” and a body-movement-based music called “Mele.”
There are two varieties of Hula dance: ‘Hula kahiko’ and ‘Hula ‘auana. Ancient Hula done by island dwellers using chants and indigenous musical instruments. In contrast, the ‘Hula ‘auana is influenced by Western culture and employs modern instruments such as the ukulele, guitar, and double bass.
The Hula dance performed while standing is known as the “Luna” dance, whereas the Hula dance performed while sitting is known as the “Noho” dance. Some styles of Hula dancing can be performed in either stance. James Cook, the first European to visit Hawaii, saw the Hula dance in 1778. He made observations regarding the dance’s uniqueness. Later, missionaries arrived and sought to ban the dance because they deemed it immoral. The recently converted Queen Regent Ka’ahumanu prohibited the public performance of the dance. In 1874, King David Kalakaua reinstated the dance for public performances. He was lauded for preserving the cultural dance and the history of Hawaii.
Since then, the Hula dance has spread worldwide and is currently taught at dance schools.
Federal Territory Day 2023 Malaysia: Date, History, Unknown Facts (newsd.in)
Five essential facts about Hawaii
Prior to the invention of writing, the Hula was used to recall and recount historical events.
The sport of surfing originated in Hawaii.
Hawaii is the only state with two official languages in the United States.
Both the Union Jack and the Star-Spangled Banner are incorporated into the design of the Hawaiian flag.
The ownership of hamsters, gerbils, and squirrels is prohibited in Hawaii.
HULA IN THE COOLA DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 1 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | February 1 | Thursday |
| 2025 | February 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 1 | Monday |
