Royal Wedding Unfolding within War Chief's Presence
In the historical drama "Chief of War," currently streaming on Apple TV+, the traditional Hawaiian royal wedding ceremony, known as the hoʻāo, takes center stage. This sacred union, symbolizing a lifelong commitment, is portrayed with the marriage of Kamehameha (Kaina Makua) and Ka'ahumanu (Luciane Buchanan) in the third episode.
The hoʻāo ceremony, which means "until the sun comes up," is a significant event in Hawaiian culture. It involves a blessing and the couple being symbolically wrapped in kapa cloth, representing their official bond[1][2]. Following the wedding, the Ho'omaukeiki ceremony takes place. This ritual of marriage consummation is performed publicly to prove the legitimacy of the heir, a crucial step for anyone marrying the king.
In the series, Ka'ahumanu, played by Luciane Buchanan, is a character capable of breaking things apart and reshaping them in her own way. Despite her father, Moku, forbidding her from revealing her infertility to Kamehameha, she performs the Ho'omaukeiki ceremony to seal the deal in front of people.
Interestingly, the character of Moku, played by Moses Goods, is portrayed as not a supportive father figure. He forbids Ka'ahumanu from revealing her infertility, indicating a strained relationship between father and daughter.
Historically, the hoʻāo ceremony was typically between two nobles of equal or high rank. However, in "Chief of War," Kamehameha, the chief of war, and Ka'ahumanu, his trusted advisor, break this norm, reflecting the complex and evolving dynamics of their relationship.
Kamehameha is portrayed as being very vulnerable with Ka'ahumanu, a stark contrast to his role as the chief of war. Despite the lack of children, the relationship between Ka'ahumanu and Kamehameha develops further in the series, highlighting the emotional depth of their bond.
It's worth noting that in Hawaiian culture before colonization, relationships were called "moe aku, moe mai," meaning casual and without hard feelings. This reflects the more fluid nature of relationships in Hawaiian culture compared to Western norms.
Emily Burack, Senior News Editor for Town & Country, covers entertainment, celebrities, and other topics. She provides insights into the portrayal of historical figures and cultural practices in "Chief of War," offering a nuanced understanding of the series for its audience.
[1] Hawaiian Cultural Practices, n.d. Retrieved from https://www.hawaii.gov/hawaiianculture/files/2014/04/Hawaiian-Cultural-Practices-Booklet.pdf [2] Hoʻāo, n.d. Retrieved from https://www.hawaii.gov/hawaiianculture/files/2014/04/Hawaiian-Cultural-Practices-Booklet.pdf
- In the series "Chief of War," streaming on Apple TV+, the traditional Hawaiian royal wedding ceremony, known as the hoʻāo, is depicted with the marriage of Kamehameha and Ka'ahumanu.
- The hoʻāo ceremony, which means "until the sun comes up," is a significant event in Hawaiian culture, involving a blessing and the couple being symbolically wrapped in kapa cloth.
- Ka'ahumanu, played by Luciane Buchanan, performs the Ho'omaukeiki ceremony in the series to seal her marriage with Kamehameha, despite her father's disapproval.
- Historically, the hoʻāo ceremony was typically between two nobles of equal or high rank, but in "Chief of War," Kamehameha and Ka'ahumanu, who are the chief of war and his trusted advisor respectively, break this norm.
- Emily Burack, Senior News Editor for Town & Country, offers insights into the portrayal of historical figures and cultural practices in "Chief of War," providing a nuanced understanding of the series for its audience.
