What is mele kalikimaka?

Mele Kalikimaka: A Hawaiian Christmas

Mele Kalikimaka is a Hawaiian phrase that means "Merry Christmas." It's a distinctive and festive greeting that captures the unique spirit of the holiday season in the Hawaiian Islands. The phrase gained widespread recognition thanks to the popular 1949 song "Mele%20Kalikimaka" written by Robert Alex Anderson.

Origin and Meaning: The phrase itself is a transliteration of "Merry Christmas" into the Hawaiian language. Because the Hawaiian language does not contain the sounds "R" or "S", they are replaced with "L" and "K" respectively.

Cultural Significance: Christmas in Hawaii is a blend of traditional holiday customs and unique Hawaiian elements. While many aspects of Christmas celebrations are similar to those in other parts of the world, such as decorated trees and gift-giving, there are distinct Hawaiian influences. These influences include:

• Decorations: Instead of fir trees, Christmas trees may be Norfolk pines or even decorated palm trees.
• Santa Claus: Santa Claus, or "Kanakaloka," may arrive by outrigger canoe instead of a sleigh.
• Food: Hawaiian feasts, or "lu'aus," often feature kalua pig, poi, and other traditional dishes as part of the Christmas celebration.
• Music: Hawaiian music, including the famous "Mele Kalikimaka" song, is a prominent part of the festivities.

The Song: The song "Mele Kalikimaka" is a beloved Christmas standard that is played worldwide. It evokes images of sunny beaches, warm weather, and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the Hawaiian Islands. It has been covered by numerous artists and remains an integral part of Christmas traditions in Hawaii.

In essence, "Mele Kalikimaka" is more than just a greeting; it's an expression of the joy, warmth, and aloha spirit that embodies Hawaiian Christmas celebrations.