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~ PAPA ~

A primordial creatrix and the divine ancestress of both the Tahitian and Hawaiian people.

She was the mother of all humans, created through her mating with Wakea, her male counterpart and consort. Most of the creation myths surrounding Papa, credits her with giving birth the Hawaiian Island chain, thus making her the Earth goddess of the South Pacific region. Even one of the most important of plants, was said to be the deformed child of Papa. Born without arms or legs, Kalo, Tahitian taro, was buried at midnight. The next morning a stalk and leaves appeared. This is perhaps why poi, which is a paste made from the mashed taro root, is sacred to the Hawaiians, and still used in ritual gatherings.

It seems that when the Christian missionaries arrived on the islands, their influence and documents reflected only their fascination with the roles and rituals of men in Hawaiian society. Thus mistaken views concerning women's roles in early Hawaii still continue to be broadcast. Even an "expert" in traditional Hawaiian culture was obtuse enough to inform the pagan author, Scott Cunningham, that women didn't pray! Those people that still state that women were subjugated are apparently unaware of the "hale o Papa", a separate structure near temples, yet on sacred land, in which female chiefesses conducted ceremonies.

The House of Papa was apparently a small, yet comfortable, house-like structure set on a rock flooring and surrounded with rock walls where high-ranking chiefesses gathered. It is believed that this is where offerings were made to and communions held with Papa. Upon occasion, the district's ruling chief visited to participate in ceremonies, and there are mentions of the priests of Pele entering these houses as well. Seems that Kamehameha I had to enter one of these structures , occupied by one of his wives, on his hands and knees because she was of higher rank than even this most remembered and great chief!

It seems that there is a very elemental irony in the fact that a father figure is currently referred to as "Papa" or a papa, when in fact these very ancient cultures ascribe this name to the divinely feminine.

I have to admit, I'm fascinated by the duplicity!