The Portland daily press., 1862-07-29


ism.
1t was upon this day that we found oursel-
yes in the valley of Waipio the invited guests
of prominent chief, and of whose hospitali-
ties we were about to partake
Shortly after arriving at the base of the
precipice, we were greeted by the chief and
his followers, in the genuine style of Hawaiian
hospitality, and, accompanying them as our
guides, we were soon at the residence of our
generous host. Here were assembled large
number of foreigners and natives from differ
ent parts of the island, and who, as we left our
saddles, welcomed us with three deafening
cheers
Taking quiet seat on the verandah, pro-
ceeded TO enjoy the beautiful and romantic
scene spread out before me. Dressed with
evergreen, MALE, and orange boughs stood
the banqueting tent, where, dishes having
been laid for a hundred persons, we could dis
cern tables groaning with game, poultry, meats
and fish, while upon all sides were baskets of
fruit, such as pine-appes, guavas, oranges,
ohids, Ia native apple,) grapes, figs, melons,
bananas and green cocoa-nuts.
The next feature of interest to be noticed
were the dancing girls. Directly to the rear
of the tent, upon the slope of grassy mound,
were seated some fifty Hawaiian damsels, ar
rayed in white dresses, each being girdled by
a neat crimson belt. Over their shoulders, and
worn diagonally across the body, was thrown
light-blue silk scarf, while upon every brow
there reposed wreath of roses, intertwined
with the geranium leaf. The dresses worn by
them on this occasion were necessarily short,
reaching midway between the knee and ancle
Upon each ance was worn band of braided
corn husk, while the feet remained unfettered
by shoe or stocking. 1t was pleasant to hear
their gleeful, silvery laugh. to see the animation
with which they surveyed things around them.
Not thing appeared to escape their notice.
and as some striking popularity in any one of
the surrounding multitude would present it.
self, some one was sure to make witty excla-
nation at his or her expense, and taking it up
in turn, there would ring out chorus of laugh
ter, not dissimilar to the sound of '.merry
sleigh-bells."
No holiday festivities are complete TO the
minds Of the Hawaiian, unless graced by the
presence of ma icahine huia--the dancing
girls. To view one of these dances. the IIaw-
allan will trudge over many weary mile of
ground. He will even deny himself of the ne
cessaries of life that he may obtain dollar to
bestow upon the dancers.
Beneath noble hdu tree but few PAGES
distant from this group, sat the native musi-
clans, with their rude instruments, rehearsing
to each other in the ancient manner Of chant
ing, the various legends, which were to be sung
in accompaniment with the dancing-lnusic of
the occasion.
As group after group approached, the whole
scene wore an aspect of gaiety and sprightli-
ness, such as but few of our home 'pic-nics"
ever present. The gay colored robes of the
natives, the bands of Hawaiian horsemen,
the school-children of the district, arrayed in
white, gave charm to the beautiful valley,
and one could hardly believe that he was else
where than in a fairy land Dinner now being
announced, we were conducted by the old
chief to the pavilion, where, after having
seated his guests, he proceeded to invoke the
Divine blessing upon the bounties spread out
before us.
Never, perhaps, was a dinner devoured
under happier associations. The venerable
man, our host, presiding at the head of the
band, knew every want at glance. and in
short, quick commands, gave directions to the
native walters, who in their eagerness to do
justice to the guests, frequently measured
their lengths over the baskets of fruit in their
rear. Native and foreign compliments were
now exchanged, and after a short speech from
"mine host" the company adjourned to the
green, to witness the dance of ancient Ha-
wai.
The dancers were now arranged in semi
circle, the musicians seated within it, when at
t,tn,-tum from the leader, out bounded five
maidens, with the grace and elasticity of an an
telope. Waving their hands with an easy ges-
ture to the spectators, a low and somewhat
mournful chant was struck up by one of them,
which was followed by simultaneous chorus
by all of the females present; and, with
graceful tossing of the arms, the dance com
menced
AT first the bodies of the dancers were bent
to the rear, and clasping their hands over their
heads, they commenced a series of attitudes,
which would have done honor TO the 'graces."
Each and every movement was accompanied
by peculiar ntonation of the voice, and as
they fell to the rear, or advanced to the front,
portraying at one time the dangers of their
former battles, and at another time the roman
tic adventures of their chiefs, so would the
multitude, in the enthusiasm of the moment,
shower down at their feet tokens of their ap-
probation, in the shape of silver coin. These
were allowed to remain, until the dance being
finished the party would retire, gathering up
the coin, which was Immediately given into
the hands of their banker, the oldest musician.
Thus party after party of dancers succeeded
each other, until the declining sun gave token
of closing day. The general horse-race must
now be run, or the festivities of an Hawaiians
holiday would not be thoroughly complete.
AT the Sandwich Islands the women are
fearless riders. Their style of riding dress is
somewhat unique, being composed of bright
scarlet or orange calico, and is worn in a
very graceful manner. Seated astride upon
the saddle, after the fashion of the male. these
women will course over the most dangerous
paths, with the speed of the wind, and mock
with derision the fears of the beholder.
Again mounting our beasts, we bade adieu
Al