Happy Year of the Horse!
Cover Image: Masthead of Ka Nupepa Kuokoa published on February 10, 1894.
“Konohī!” is the Hawaiian word for the lunar new year as well as the greeting used on the occasion. It is said to have come from the Cantonese congratulatory expression, “Gong Hei.”
Image: Chinese lion dance in front of Wo Fat Restaurant on Hotel and Maunakea Streets, Honolulu, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Photo by Tai Sing Loo, ca. 1955. Bishop Museum Archives, SP 16944
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Image: “Ka La Konohi o na Pake.” Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, February 10, 1894, p. 2
Konohī Day of the Chinese
This is a great holiday for the Chinese here in Honolulu, and probably elsewhere as well. The past fifth of this month is their new year by their own reckoning. Chinese businesses and shops of this town shut its doors and celebrated by them. Every Chinese held their own celebrations at their place of residence, however, the society building of the wealthy Chinese on King Street1 that was the center for their gathering. It was there that the dignitaries and well-to-do of this town went to extend their congratulations. There as well was the government band where they performed their joyful music between the hours of 12 noon and 2 in the afternoon. There were many who paid a call.
1This refers to the United Chinese Society (中華總會館) at 42 North King Street.
This post is part of He Aupuni Palapala: Preserving and Digitizing the Hawaiian Language Newspapers, a partnership between Bishop Museum and Awaiaulu with assistance from Kamehameha Schools. Mahalo nui loa to Hawaii Tourism Authority for their support. Learn more about this project here.
