After our guests settled into their seats, my uncle stood. He blew a conch shell in four directions - North, East, South, West. Calling the attention of the Hawaiian gods, he then began an oli, a Hawaiian blessing for our wedding and our guests.
If you haven't heard a Hawaiian blessing, there is nothing like it. Gives you goose bumps and definitely makes me feel a presence beyond the human ones around me. Listen here for a sample.
Bryan and his groomsmen bowed their heads, and the guests looked on. My uncle asked for our wedding to be blessed, that each of our guests who had traveled so far be blessed, and that we celebrate the occasion we were there for.
I was so appreciative to have this unique element of Hawaii in our wedding. And so lucky to have an uncle who can chant in Hawaiian!
Later in the ceremony guests were asked to take the pebble left on their chair, hold it in their hands, and send their best energy and wishes to Bryan and I and our marriage. Then one by one they placed their pebble in a koa wood bowl.
We had planned that this would happen in the background as the ceremony continued. That didn't work. Each pebble made a loud "ca-lunk!" as it landed in the bowl. Bryan and I stood facing our guests as they contributed their pebbles and passed the bowls. And I giggled at the "ca-lunks!"
I don't know what wishes or love each of those pebbles were given. Maybe one that wishes us happy kids? One that wishes we would move closer to a friend? Maybe one from our nephew wishing us dinosaurs? Or even one that wishes us a villa in Italy so we can invite all our friends? I honestly have no idea and I don't plan to ask anyone.
I imagine there will be at least one hard time in our marriage. I hope that when that time comes, I will look to those pebbles and remember all the wishes sent our way. And perhaps the Hawaiian gods will extend their blessing to us.
1 comment:
All choked up.... it was a beautiful wedding celebration!
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