Traditionally, before being admitted into a family gathering, Hawaiians chanted genealogy as they passed over the threshold. Tomorrow you can join Nathan Kalama at the Kaua‘i Museum for his final workshop on genealogy to learn how to acknowledge your own ancestry.
“This is a way of connecting people to their roots,” said Kalama.
The workshop coincides with the museum’s ‘Ohana Day, which falls on the first Saturday of every month. Admission to the museum is free tomorrow.
There is no need to be afraid to participate. “We want this event to be interactive, not for people to just sit and watch,” Kalama said.
You can bring a printed copy of your family genealogy to the museum, or, Kalama said, “We will have a table out front with the forms.”
Chanting your genealogy is easy once you learn the basic equation. “The pattern is the same, so once you have it, all you have to do is plug in the names,” Kalama said.
While the participants of all four workshops will chant seven generations, your goal can be much smaller. “It’s easy if you do your father’s side only,” said Kalama. “And we’ll be there to help you.”
Those participants successful at reciting all seven generations — without notes, will be eligible for a free family photo by professional photographer Joe Olivas.
“We want to bring generations of family into the museum,” said Kalama. “We want to get visitors to tell us about their families.”
“Knowing your genealogy is what helps to create stories,” Kalama said. “I’ve seen people weep from joy and pain from the memories it conjures up.”
Ultimately, chanting genealogy is a way to heal those memories, Kalama added.
This workshop series promotes Malie Foundation’s 2007 theme: Year of the ‘Ohana, and supports the gathering of oral history, stated a recent press release.
Punana Leo O Kaua‘i, the Hawaiian language preschool will perform at 10:30 a.m. and there will be a selection of Hawaiian pupu served as well.
• Pam Woolway, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or pwoolway@kauaipubco.com.
