The Hawaiian word, “ukulele,” is made up of two parts: “uku” which can mean flea, and “lele,” can mean to jump or fall. Hence “ukulele” is commonly interpreted as the “jumping flea,” perhaps referring to the rapid motion of a skilled player’s fingers along the strings and frets. Queen Lili’oukalani, however, is said to have preferred a different interpretation. Like English words, Hawaiian words can have multiple meanings and she interpreted the word combination for “ukulele” as “the gift that came.”
Portuguese sailors brought a small, four-stringed instrument to Hawaii in the late 19th century, and the Hawaiians improved it by changed the tuning, producing different sizes (soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone), and writing music to carry the spirit and culture of Hawaiians. I much prefer Queen Lili’oukalani’s version of the meaning of the word, ukulele. Not only did the ukulele arise from the gift that came to Hawai’i, it was perfected by the Hawaiians and then returned a thousand times over to the rest of the world.
Mahalo nui loa to Queen Lili’oukalani and her people for regifting the ukulele over and over again. Mele Kalikimaka!
#ukulele #jumpingflea #queenlili’oukalani #Hawai’i #melekalikimaka
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