Ka Waimaka Lehua: Menstruation Through a Hawaiian Epistemology a Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Division of the University Of
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KA WAIMAKA LEHUA: MENSTRUATION THROUGH A HAWAIIAN EPISTEMOLOGY A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE DIVISION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI AT MĀNOA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTERS OF ARTS IN HAWAIIAN STUDIES MAY 2018 By Makanaalohamaikalani Kāne Kuahiwinui Thesis Committee: Antoinette Freitas, Chairperson Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua Kamanamaikalani Beamer Keywords: menses, menstruation, Hawaiian epistemology, hale peʻa, waimaka lehua, period, blood, menarche, ceremony, menstrual practice. © Copyright by Makanaalohamaikalani Kāne Kuahiwinui, 2018 All Rights Reserved. ii Dedication I nā wāhine kapu; e kahe mau ka waimaka o ka lehua a palalauhala. He puna-wai kahe wale. iii Acknowledgements This work could have not been complete without the kūpuna who kept me awake in the night, alert in the morning, and energized throughout the day. They have kept a hand on my shoulder in times of need and nudged me away from paths that do not serve my higher purpose. I must acknowledge the support of my ʻohana, the patience of my partner, and the dark espresso of Starbucks. Mahalo to Kumu Konia Freitas for reading every draft of this paper and holding my hand in the process. To Kumu Kamanamaikalani Beamer for lighting the flame of angst on my seat and to Kumu Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua for your suggestions of improvements and warm smile in times of need; me ‘oukou nō kuʻu mahalo palena ʻole. To Kaliko for your patience and understanding in this journey. You have counseled my every move with unwavering support and grace. My mom, dad, sisters, tutus, bumpas, aunties, and uncles have been beside me this entire time. They have guided me with love and warmth. My friends have helped me along the way by reading drafts, steeping tea, and sticking post-it notes on my door, I have aloha and mahalo for every one of you folks. iv Abstract: Ka Lehua Within Western patriarchal discourse, menstruation has been stigmatized to be defiled, gross, and lewd. However, menstruation in a Hawaiian epistemology is sacred and should be fostered within the modern ʻohana Hawaiʻi. To promote Hawaiian well-being, this thesis explores the Hawaiian epistemology of menstruation, blood, and the purpose, function, and meaning of the hale peʻa: menstrual house. This thesis contextualizes menstruation through a Hawaiian epistemology and outlines the importance and difference of said epistemology to dominant Western patriarchal discourse on this subject. This thesis analyzes the literature and discourse of both Hawaiian language and English language primary and secondary resources. The research for this thesis also includes a focus group with a ‘ohana Hawaiʻi who conduct their own menarche ceremony. The findings of this research will inform families and young women on traditions and practices, both new and old, that may be utilized to honor and care for menstruation. v Table of Contents Dedication ................................................................................................................................ iii Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................... iv Abstract: Ka Lehua ..................................................................................................................... v Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................... vi List of Figures ............................................................................................................................. x Chapter 1: Welina ....................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction: Ua Kulu ka Waimaka o ka Lehua ................................................................. 1 1.2 Research Questions: Aia i Hea ka Wai Lehua? .................................................................. 5 1.3 Theoretical Framework – Kuanaʻike Hawaiʻi: Hawaiian Epistemology ............................. 6 1.4 Chapter Conclusion: Haʻina Mai ka Puana ........................................................................ 8 Chapter 2: Kaʻina ...................................................................................................................... 10 2.1 Literature Review: Ke Ala Maʻa i ka Hele ʻIa .................................................................. 10 2.2 Methods: Kaʻina Hana ..................................................................................................... 14 2.2.1 Institutional Review Board ....................................................................................... 14 2.2.2 Use of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi ............................................................................................... 15 2.2.3 Translation ............................................................................................................... 17 2.2.4 Qualitative Research ................................................................................................. 20 2.2.5 Data Collection 1 – Literary Analysis ....................................................................... 21 2.2.6 Data Collection 2 – Focus Group .............................................................................. 23 2.2.7 ʻOhana Lehua ........................................................................................................... 25 2.2.8 Coding ...................................................................................................................... 29 vi 2.3 Chapter Conclusion: Haʻina ka Puana .............................................................................. 30 Chapter 3: Walewale ................................................................................................................. 31 3.1 Introduction: Kanu .......................................................................................................... 31 3.2 Chapter Research Questions: He Uī, He Nīnau ................................................................ 31 3.2.1 Setting a Context ...................................................................................................... 32 3.3 Section I: Ka Lehua Kapu................................................................................................ 34 3.3.1 Kapu and Noa ........................................................................................................... 34 3.3.2 Kapu and Noa: Context of Menstruation ................................................................... 37 3.3.3 Section Conclusion ................................................................................................... 45 3.4 Section II: ʻO Haumea, Haunuʻu, Haulani, Hauwahine .................................................... 46 3.4.1 Haumia ..................................................................................................................... 46 3.4.2 The Face of Western Patriarchy ................................................................................ 50 3.4.3 Section Conclusion ................................................................................................... 63 3.5 Section III: Walewale Hoʻokumu Honua ......................................................................... 64 3.5.1 Post-Natal Walewale ................................................................................................ 66 3.5.2 Placenta Blood.......................................................................................................... 69 3.5.3 Section Conclusion ................................................................................................... 73 3.6 Chapter Conclusion: Eia ka Puana ................................................................................... 73 Chapter 4: Hale Peʻa ................................................................................................................. 76 4.1 Introduction: Ka Manō ʻAi Kanaka ................................................................................. 76 4.2 Chapter Research Questions ............................................................................................ 81 4.3 Section I: Kaʻawale ......................................................................................................... 82 4.3.1 He Moʻolelo no Akahiakuleana ................................................................................ 85 vii 4.3.2 Section Conclusion ................................................................................................... 89 4.4 Section II: Huikala .......................................................................................................... 90 4.4.1 Huikala ..................................................................................................................... 90 4.4.2 Huikala Through Pule ............................................................................................... 94 4.4.3 Section Conclusion ................................................................................................... 95 4.5 Section III: Kapa ............................................................................................................. 95 4.5.1 Materials Used.......................................................................................................... 96 4.5.2 Material Care .......................................................................................................... 101 4.5.3 Section Conclusion ................................................................................................