Hau'oli Makahiki Hou (Happy New Year)

I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, or as the Hawaiians say "Hau'oli Makahiki Hou" (pronounced how-OH-lee mah-kah-hee-kee ho). Makahiki means "year", but if one breaks it down the meaning becomes more evident. The word maka means "eye" and refers to the Pleiades cluster, and hiki means "movement". Thus, taken together, the translation of makahiki refers to the rising of the Pleiades in the heavens corresponding with the time of the sun's turn northward, bringing longer warmer days to help grow plants and spawn fish. A 4-month festival was celebrated during this time of year in honor of the god Lono to send rain and sunshine upon the growing crops and help the fish. During this time, a series of athletic competitions were held among the tribes, and no wars were allowed - much like the Olympics.

Thanks to all readers of this blog for sharing in my quest to become an astronaut. I hope you've found some of my posts interesting and informative. I think my first year blogging has gone pretty well, and I'm sure it'll be even better in the upcoming year. There are two weeks left until all of the astronaut interviewees will be notified. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on what I hear. Most of all, I'm hoping to get asked to Houston for an interview myself.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Hooray for you, and best wishes to you, Holli, and Henry, and good luck getting the interview!
02 January, 2009 13:50
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