Aha 'Aina

Yesterday, the 1st day of the year, Jace and family celebrated Aha 'Aina.  I did not know about this ceremony when I was growing up here.  I asked my sisters about this, and they said, grandma Nahale-a did this but it was not something she did all the time.  It's a ceremony where we have a taste of each item of food that the ancient ancestors took before they boarded their canoes for a long journey.  And Jace does this for his family before they embark on their journey for the next year, this 2009.  Salt, fish, taro, ulu, among some of the items.  Each item represents virtues that their family embraces through the light of Jesus Christ.  Like responsibility, humility, industry, honesty, courtesy, among a few.  Jace then gives each one of his children a blessing.  What a beautiful evening reminding us of our Savior and His example for us to follow.  WE also pay tribute to those of our ancestors who have died, by mentioning their names, and a Ti leaf of the same tastes of food is also placed at the table for them.  Today, the family will plant a tree, in this case, an avocado tree, and in the hole for this tree, will be placed all the remains of the feast we enjoyed last night...yes, we had a larger "taste" of the foods.  Yummy taste, and then some.  We are blessed, indeed!