Luhi wahine 'ia, labored over by a woman.

Aloha mai kākou! He momi kēia. Luhi wahine 'ia. Labored over by a woman. Whenever I hear this 'ōlelo no'eau, I am reminded of the many women I know who are not afraid of hard work. Traditionally, men had their kuleana and women had their kuleana. The men went out to the deep sea to gather fish for their family and women gathered food from the shoreline and shallow, reef areas. Traditionally, men were responsible for cooking food in the imu, while women pounded tapa and tended to what was thought to be women's work. As is true in our culture, there were exceptions these rules. Here on Maui, particularly in the Hāna area, women were seen laboring over the imu, from start to finish. If you have ever seen or been a part of making an imu, you know the hard physical work that goes into this process. Imagine these women carrying out the task. Traditionally, men farmed the taro patches, but again, here on Maui, women were noted preparing, harvesting and tending to the lo'i kalo. These women stand as examples to us in today’s world. There are many women I know who are raising their families on their own, women working two or more jobs just to support their 'ohana. There are woman working in positions traditionally thought of as a man’s job. This precious momi reminds us once again of ka mana o ka wahine, the power of the woman. There are times when we may feel powerless and even defeated. But, remember ladies, we each have mana that is innately ours. Remember, there is a reason Ke Akua chose women to bare children. Draw upon that power and strength and with it, we can accomplish anything. Luhi wahine 'ia, labored over by a woman. Aloha nō, a hui hou!

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