In an article about the Interdependence Day events of last weekend, the Leader referred to the Hoopmaking workshop at Finnriver as hula hooping.
I’m not of Hawaiian heritage, but I did …
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In an article about the Interdependence Day events of last weekend, the Leader referred to the Hoopmaking workshop at Finnriver as hula hooping.
I’m not of Hawaiian heritage, but I did grow up in part in Hawaii and I can say that what is often called hula hooping has almost nothing to do with actual Hula dancing, the traditional form of dance from the Hawaiian islands. Hula dances pay tribute to traditional Gods, praise the animals and the land, tell stories, and more.
According to history.com, the original “Hula Hoop” was patented in 1963 by the Wham-O company, and was actually inspired by “a wooden hoop that Australian children twirled around their waists during gym class.”
In other words, the company appropriated the name Hula in order to sell its product.
The one similarity between “hula hooping” and hoop making/dancing, as far as I can tell, is that both involve moving one’s body. Hoop dancing has many benefits and can be a beautiful art form, but it is not Hula. It’s time we stop confusing the two.
Gabe Van Lelyveld
PORT TOWNSEND
