People from all over the globe have made their homes in Hawai‘i. The first to migrate and settle here were the Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands and Tahiti about 1,500 years ago. Since then, Hawai‘i has continuously welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating a tapestry of diverse cultures.
In this first issue of the new year, Generations Magazine will begin to explore the myriad of cultures that make up our island ‘ohana, binding us together with a single strong thread of aloha.
This issue will focus on Hawai‘i’s Chinese population, and their cultural festivals and food.
From China to Hawai‘i
The first documented arrival of Chinese people to Hawai‘i was in the 1700s when Chinese sailors arrived with Capt. James Cook in 1789 and several more on two fur trading ships in 1789. Though the ships and their sailors came and went, Chinese people were already settled and living in Hawai‘i throughout the 1700s. From 1792 through the mid-1800s, Hawai‘i became an exporter of sandalwood to China, earning the name “Tan Heung Shan” or “Fragrant Sandalwood Hills.” Then in 1852, the first Chinese from Cantonese-speaking Southern China immigrated to Hawai‘i to work on sugar plantations. Upon their work contracts expiring, many decided to stay in Hawai‘i, pursuing education and opening businesses in areas like Chinatown. Over the course of 50 years, in 1900 the Chinese population in Hawai‘i grew to over 25,000.
Overall, the Chinese in Hawai’i constitute about 4.7% of the state’s population. This number does not include people of mixed Chinese and Hawaiian descent — if the Chinese-Hawaiians are included, they make up about one-third of Hawai‘i’s population. Without a doubt, Chinese people in the Hawaiian Islands have made and continue to make their mark on broader Hawaiian local culture. Rich with vibrant color, an accomplished history and cherished cultural heritage, the presence and influence of the Chinese culture in Hawai‘i continues with integrity and enthusiasm.
Festivals and Traditions
For Chinese families all over the world, several festivals and celebrations occur every year without fail. These festivals are for the most part largely known, even in non-Chinese circles. These celebrations include the Lunar New Year (or Chinese New Year), Ching Ming/Qingming Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival and celebrations.
Lunar New Year
Of these three major festivals, Lunar New Year is arguably the most well-known. As the event follows a lunisolar calendar, Lunar New Year occurs on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Usually, this means late January or early February. The celebration ushers in the coming of spring and new beginnings.
Certain traditions are honored during this celebration, too. Lai see, red envelopes containing cash, are given to younger folks for good luck and to ward off evil spirits. Gao, sweet rice cakes made from rice flour and brown sugar, are usually brought by families or given as gifts and eaten with others during Lunar New Year celebrations. These rice cakes symbolize growth and progress for the coming year. Fai chun are traditional decorative red banners hung in doorways or on walls with written phrases communicating prosperity and good luck.
Whether it’s giving (or receiving) lai see, picking up gao in Chinatown or hanging up fai chun with family, Lunar New Year gives everyone a cause for celebration.
This year, Lunar New Year will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The Cantonese greeting “gong hei fat choy” at this time of year means “wishing you prosperity.”
Narcissus Queen Pageant
Although Hawai‘i celebrates these three main festivals with gusto, there is one Chinese festival unique to the islands: the Narcissus Queen Pageant in Chinatown. According to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, a plan was devised to revitalize trade and the public image of Chinese people in Hawai‘i.
As the narcissus flower symbolizes fortune and rebirth, the Narcissus Festival originally was connected to Lunar New Year celebrations, but has since grown into a spring-season-long celebration showcasing banquets, fashion shows, community celebrations and more. The event culminates with the selected queen and her court touring mainland China as cultural ambassadors from Hawai‘i, demonstrating their intelligence, poise and pride.
The pageant will be held on Saturday, Jan. 4.
Ching Ming Festival
The Ching Ming Festival occurs during the third lunar month (usually in early April). During Ching Ming (Tomb-Sweeping Day), Chinese families visit the graves of loved ones, cleaning their spaces and making ritual offerings to honor their ancestors. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i will host an event on March 30 at Manoa Chinese Cemetery entitled “Significance of Ching Ming” sharing the history of Ching Ming and burial and funeral customs. This year, Ching Ming is set for Friday, Apr. 4.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, an event celebrating a plentiful harvest, is held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Families and friends munch on mooncakes, float lanterns and give dollars to the dancing lions under the watch of a full moon. Local nonprofit Chinatown808 will host a festival celebration at the Chinese Cultural Plaza on Oct. 6.
Check out chinesechamber.com for more information, as well as Generations Magazine’s Facebook page (facebook.com/genmag808) and calendar (generations808.com/calendar).
The next article in this series will feature Hawaiian culture, highlighting the world-famous Merrie Monarch Festival.
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