Sometimes small things can bring the greatest joy. This is very true, especially in the case of the ukulele, the four-stringed instrument known for its melodic tones.

It is said that the Hawaiian word "ukulele" means "jumping flea" because when it is played skillfully, the fingers jump around on its strings like a flea. There have been debates about this, however. In fact, Hawaiian Queen Lili'uokalani liked more poetic translations of the words "uku" and "lele," which mean "the gift" and "to come," respectively. Together, these two words suggest that the instrument as a gift from Portugal to Hawaii.

This tiny instrument from the guitar family became popular sometime in the 1880s. Although the instrument has a Hawaiian name, it was actually brought into the coast by Portuguese travelers. Its predecessor, "machete," was originally from Madeira, Portugal. However, this name has long been forgotten.

Madeira was not a great place to live in at that time and thousands of Madeirans traveled to Hawaii in search of a better life. According to stories, shortly after reaching the island, either Augusto Dias, João Fernandes or both played a joyous song using a machete to thank God for their safe trip.

On Feb. 2 every year, the National Ukulele Day is observed in the United States to celebrate this well-loved instrument and what it stands for. Like those who brought the ukulele's predecessor to Hawaii, we too should remain hopeful amid trying times. And of course, there's always ukulele's joyful music to remind us of that.

Here are few quotes taken from brainyquotes.com to commemorate this day of music and joy:

  • "If everyone played the ukulele, the world would be a better place." — Jake Shimabukuro.
  • "I love the ukulele. It's got a beautiful, melodic tone to it. There's something innocent and romantic, and it's just a grand instrument to play." — Pierce Brosnan
  • "I grew up in a musical family; the majority of my growing up was done in Hawaii. It's what we do. You sing, you dance, you play ukulele and you drink." — Dwayne Johnson
  • "I play piano and ukulele, and I taught myself those things just because I wanted to play them." — Billie Eilish
  • "There's something about the ukulele that just makes you smile. It makes you let your guard down. It brings out the child in all of us." — Jake Shimabukuro
  • "I have an all-black Mahalo ukulele—it's like my baby. It has brought me so much peace and comfort." — Madeline Brewer
  • "I actually first picked up an ukulele before I picked up a guitar." — Dick Dale
  • "One thing you might want to learn before you attend the world's largest ukulele lesson is how to say ukulele." — Mary Schmich
  • "Sometimes when you're writing on a ukulele, you're in a totally new land, rhythmically or melodically." — Tift Merritt
  • "I remember I asked my mom for a ukulele, and she said no because she thought I would never play it. So then I got my birthday money up, and I bought my own. It was the most rebellious thing I've ever done." — Grace VanderWaal
Ukulele
Ukuleles are perfect instruments for beginners Pixabay
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