Portuguese Hawaiian Holiday Traditions
by Melody Lassalle
Since the mid 1800s, Christmas has been celebrated in the Hawaiian Islands. The Portuguese brought their traditions to their new home, then mixed it with local customs, to come up with unique celebrations.
The first Christmas celebration in Hawaii was on the island of Kauai in 1786. A group of British explorers shared their Christmas cheer with the Hawaiians. Christmas wasn't really celebrated again on Hawaii until the mid 1800s. This was due to the influence of the New England missionaries who did not celebrate Christmas. They considered it a pagan ritual to be avoided. When the Catholics of the Azores, Madeira, Philippines, etc., came on the scene, Christmas was celebrated returned. Read about Christmas celebrations on Kauai: First Christmas 1786
The Portuguese who came to Hawaii brought their Christmas traditions. In addition to rituals and celebrations, several families even brought the family "creche" (a nativity scene) with them to Hawaii. They set these up at Christmastime bringing a little bit of Portugal to their new homes. The baby Jesus was placed in the manger after Midnight Mass. In those days, people came to see the "minino Jesus lapinho" --not the Christmas tree. Find out more about the creche here: The Creche
For those living in Hawaii, the Portuguese traditions melded with the traditions of the other nationalities of the islands. Christmas has a definitive Hawaiian air even for the families who left for California and other areas of the world. For the early families, Christmas Eve was a busy day cooking various dishes for Christmas dinner. At midnight, the family was at church for Midnight Mass just like their ancestors did. The family shared Christmas breakfast a the dish "carne vinho de alhos". Christmas Day was filled with family and friends. Christmas presents were exchanged. But the celebrations would look somewhat different from the typical American holiday. The men would don Hawaiian shirts. Lei's would be worn by all. Ukulele's would be played and Christmas carols sung. There was plenty of food. And, the celebrations would be very festive.
Those who came to Hawaii in the late 1800s were part of the Victorian Era. Many of these traditions we follow today were born in that era. Others have gone to the wayside. Find out more about how the Victorians celebrated Christmas, what toys children played with, how their houses were decorated, and so forth. A Victorian Christmas
How is Christmas celebrated today? Old traditions have mixed with the new. Many still attend Midnight Mass or other church functions. Families have dinner together. Some families still set up a creche or similar nativity scene, but the Christmas tree brings the most expressions of awe. Children wait for Santa Claus although his means of travel may differ between localities. Indoor and outdoor decorations are on display. And, Christmas lights can be found in many places throughout the world. These websites show nice photos of Christmas lights on the island of Madeira: Madeira Island Foto Library Madeira in my heart Madeira Christmas and New Years Photo Collection
In Hawaii, the celebrations and traditions have their own feel. Dishes of many nationalities are served during festivities. Many nationalities lend their own traditions to the overall picture.
Christmas trees and decorations are just as much a part of the Hawaiian tradition as elsewhere. Decorated palm trees are a part of many outdoor displays. And, although you'll find nobles and grand firs as Christmas trees, traditionally, the Norfolk pine was the Christmas tree of choice in Hawaii. It's a hardy tree and lasts longer than it's North American counterparts. Find out more about Hawaiian Christmas celebrations at these websites: Hawaiian Christmas Trees Christmas in Hawai'i: Customs, Recipes, Christmas Lights, etc.
~~~~~~~~~~
Have some fun! Learn how to say Merry Christmas in many languages or take a quiz!
How to say Merry Christmas in several languages: How to Say Merry Christmas Around the World
Take the Grinch Who Stole Christmas Quiz: Grinch Quiz
