Lei Making 101: Crafting Beauty and Meaning with Hawaiian Flowers

Lei making, or lei hulu, is more than just stringing flowers together; it’s a cherished art form steeped in Hawaiian culture, embodying aloha, respect, and connection. It’s a tangible expression of love, welcome, and appreciation, given to honor individuals, celebrate milestones, and mark special occasions. Let’s dive into the beautiful world of lei making and learn how you can create your own piece of Hawaiian heritage.

The Cultural Significance of Lei

In Hawaiian culture, the lei holds a profound significance. It’s not just a pretty garland; it’s a symbol of aloha, love, respect, and honor. Giving a lei is an act of generosity and signifies a deep connection between the giver and the receiver. In ancient times, lei were offered to deities and chiefs, signifying reverence and respect. Different types of lei were associated with specific gods and goddesses. For instance, the maile lei, a fragrant green vine, is often associated with Laka, the goddess of hula, and is used in ceremonies and celebrations. Even today, lei are presented upon arrival and departure, at graduations, weddings, birthdays, and during hula performances. They are integral to Hawaiian identity, representing a tangible link to the past and a welcoming embrace of the present. It is important to remember when someone offers you a lei, do not take it off in their presence. This is considered disrespectful. Similarly, pregnant women in Hawaii are often gifted open-ended lei to symbolize an easy childbirth.

Essential Tools and Materials

Before you begin your lei-making journey, gather your supplies. Fortunately, the tools are quite simple:

• Flowers & Foliage: The heart of any lei. Fresh flowers like plumeria, orchids, pikake, tuberose, and carnations are commonly used. Foliage adds texture and fragrance, like maile, ti leaves, or ferns.
• Lei Needle: This is a long, sturdy needle with a large eye to accommodate embroidery floss (also called yarn). You can find lei needles easily in craft stores or online, costing anywhere from $5 to $15.
• Embroidery Floss (Yarn): Choose a strong, durable floss that complements your flower colors. Common colors are white, green, and clear, but don’t be afraid to experiment! A skein of floss is usually inexpensive, around $2 to $5.
• Scissors or Clippers: Necessary for trimming stems and cutting the floss.
• Optional: Ruler or Measuring Tape: Useful for measuring the desired length of your lei, especially if you’re making multiple lei of the same size.

Gathering Your Flowers and Foliage

Sourcing your flowers is crucial to the beauty and longevity of your lei. If you have a garden, consider growing your own lei flowers! Plumeria trees are relatively easy to grow in tropical and sub-tropical climates. If not, you can purchase flowers from local flower shops, farmers’ markets, or even grocery stores. When selecting flowers, look for blooms that are fresh, vibrant, and free from blemishes. Stems should be firm, and petals should not be wilting. If you have to travel for your material, keep in mind there are floral distributors like Pacific Floral or Maui Floral to help you get the blooms you need without ever leaving your home. If you’re foraging for foliage, be sure to obtain permission if you’re on private property. Some plants may also be toxic, so be certain you can identify the plants you are interacting with! Once you have your flowers and foliage, keep them fresh by storing them in a cool, dark place, preferably in a refrigerator, until you’re ready to use them. Lightly misting them with water can also help maintain their moisture.

Basic Lei-Making Techniques: Haku, Kui, and Wili

There are several lei making techniques, each producing unique styles and designs. Here, we will explore three of the most common: Haku, Kui, and Wili.

Kui: The Most Common Way

Kui is perhaps the most common lei-making technique, involving stringing flowers together end-to-end. This method is ideal for flowers with sturdy stems and petals, such as plumeria, orchids, and carnations. To make a Kui lei:

1. Prepare the Flowers: Trim the stems of your flowers to about 1 inch long. This will make them easier to string and create a more uniform look.
2. Thread the Needle: Cut a length of embroidery floss about twice the desired length of your lei. Thread it through the eye of your lei needle and tie a knot at the end.
3. String the Flowers: Hold a flower in one hand and gently guide the needle through the base of the flower, near the stem. Push the flower down the floss, towards the knot. Repeat this process, stringing each flower close to the previous one.
4. Create the Length: Continue stringing flowers until your lei reaches the desired length. Consider the person who will be wearing the lei and adjust the length accordingly. A standard lei is about 20-22 inches long.
5. Tie Off the Ends: Once you’ve reached the desired length, carefully remove the needle and tie the two ends of the floss together securely with a double knot. Trim any excess floss.

Tips for Kui Lei:

• To add variety, alternate colors or types of flowers.
• Twist the flowers slightly as you string them to create a more textured look.
• Consider adding beads or other embellishments for a unique touch.

Haku: Braiding with Fiber

Haku lei is a braided lei in wich the base is made of plant fiber and then flowers are attached to it. This method is more time-consuming and requires more skill, but it results in a stunning, elaborate lei. To make a Haku lei:

1. Prepare the Base: Traditionally, the base of a Haku lei is made from a long strip of dried banana bark fibers. You can substitute this with raffia, yarn, or even strips of fabric. Create a strand of the dried banana bark long enough to fit around the head.
2. Gather Materials: Gather small bundles of flowers, ferns, and greenery. Trim the stems of each bundle to about 2-3 inches.
3. Begin Braiding: Start at one end of the base, wrap your first bundle onto the base, and then begin to bind it with the binding or raffia that’s used. Move the base forward another inch or two and keep wrapping flowers around the base until the base has reached the end.
4. Add Foliage: Intersperse foliage between the flowers to add texture and visual interest.
5. Secure the Ends: Tie off the ends of the base securely with a double knot. Trim any excess base material.

Tips for Haku Lei:

• Choose a variety of textures and colors for a visually appealing lei.
• Keep the base material moist to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle.
• Practice your braiding technique to ensure a tight, secure lei.

Wili: Wrapping with Raffia

Wili lei involves wrapping flowers and foliage onto a base using raffia. This method is relatively easy and creates a beautiful, natural-looking lei. To make a Wili lei:

1. Prepare the Base: Cut a long length of raffia, about three times the desired length of your lei. Fold it in half and tie a loop knot at the folded end. Attach the loop to a coat hanger or nail, so it does not slip off easily. You will be wrapping all the materials and flowers around this base.
2. Gather Materials: Gather small bundles of flowers, ferns, and greenery. Trim the stems of each bundle to about 2-3 inches.
3. Begin Wrapping: Starting at the looped end of the raffia, line up your first bundle to the base of the raffia strings and then begin wrapping the loose end around. Try to make this bundle as close as possible to the looped end. Wrap multiple times to secure it. Add the next bundle right up close to the previous flowers, and then continue to wrap around with the raffia.
4. Add Foliage: Intersperse foliage between the flowers. It is important to alternate the flowers and greens and constantly turn the lei so that you can see exactly what it is looking like.
5. Secure the Ends: Once you’ve reached the desired length, tie off the loose end to the beginning looped end. Secure it with strong multiple double knots, and then cut off any excess raffia.

Tips for Wili Lei:

• Use a variety of textures and colors of flowers to create a visually appealing lei.
• Keep the raffia damp to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle.
• Practice your wrapping technique to ensure a tight, secure lei.

Choosing the Right Flowers: Colors and Fragrances

The choice of flowers for your lei is crucial, as different colors and fragrances evoke different emotions and meanings. Here are some popular lei flowers and their symbolism:

• Plumeria (Melia): These fragrant blossoms are a favorite for lei making, available in a wide range of colors, from white and yellow to pink and red. Plumeria symbolizes positivity, new beginnings, and celebration.
• Orchids (Okika): Elegant and exotic, orchids represent love, beauty, and refinement. They come in various colors, each with its own nuance. Purple orchids, for example, symbolize royalty and respect.
• Pikake (Jasmine): Known for its intoxicating fragrance, pikake symbolizes love, romance, and devotion. It’s often used in wedding lei.
• Tuberose (Kupaloke): Another highly fragrant flower, tuberose represents sensuality, innocence, and remembrance.
• Carnations (Kanakaloka): These sturdy flowers are economical and long-lasting, making them a popular choice for lei making. Carnations symbolize love, affection, and gratitude.
• Ilima: A small, delicate flower that comes in shades of yellow, orange, and red, ilima represents royalty and is often used in lei for high-ranking individuals.
• Maile: This fragrant green vine is used in lei for celebrations, ceremonies, and to symbolize peace and friendship. It’s considered a sacred plant in Hawaiian culture.

When selecting your flowers, consider the occasion and the recipient. For a wedding, you might choose pikake and orchids to symbolize love and beauty. For a graduation, you might opt for vibrant colors and sturdy flowers like carnations. Remember, the most important thing is to choose flowers that you find beautiful and meaningful.

Adding Meaning and Personalization

Beyond the flowers themselves, you can add meaning and personalization to your lei by incorporating other elements, such as shells, seeds, feathers, or ribbons. Shells represent protection and good fortune, while seeds symbolize growth and potential. Feathers add a touch of elegance and are often associated with royalty and divinity. Ribbons can be used to add color and texture, as well as to convey a specific message. For example, a red ribbon symbolizes love and passion, while a white ribbon represents purity and innocence. When adding these elements, consider their symbolism and how they can enhance the overall message and beauty of your lei. You may even add candy or money to the lei. This is common with graduations and is a creative way to give gifts.

Caring for Your Lei: Longevity Tips

To extend the life of your beautiful lei, it’s important to care for it properly. Here are some tips for keeping your lei fresh and fragrant:

• Refrigerate: Store your lei in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. This will help to keep the flowers cool and prevent them from wilting.
• Mist with Water: Lightly mist your lei with water every day to keep the petals hydrated. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause the flowers to rot.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep your lei away from direct sunlight, which can cause the flowers to fade and dry out.
• Handle with Care: Handle your lei gently to avoid bruising or damaging the petals.
• Consider Flower Preservatives: If you want to keep your lei for an extended period, consider using a flower preservative. This can help to slow down the natural wilting process and keep your lei looking fresh for longer.

With proper care, your lei can last for several days, bringing joy and beauty to your life.

Lei Etiquette: Giving and Receiving with Respect

Giving and receiving lei is an integral part of Hawaiian etiquette, and it’s important to do so with respect and understanding. When giving a lei, present it with both hands and a smile. Gently place the lei around the recipient’s neck, being careful not to touch their face or hair. When receiving a lei, accept it graciously and with a smile. Allow the giver to place the lei around your neck. It is considered impolite to remove the lei in front of the person who gave it to you. If you must remove it, do so discreetly and with respect. While wearing a lei, it’s important to treat it with care. Avoid crushing or damaging the flowers, and be mindful of its placement. When you’re finished wearing the lei, you can return it to the earth by hanging it on a tree, burying it in the ground, or scattering the petals in the ocean. This is a way of honoring the flowers and returning them to their natural source.

Lei Across Different Occasions

Lei are appropriate for nearly any occasion. In Hawaii, they are given at birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, and even funerals. Many tourists are greeted at the Hawaiian Airport with a flower lay. It’s a warm welcome and shows the person that they are appreciated.

Common Flowers Found in Hawaiian Lei

Here is a list of common flowers found in Hawaiian Lei:

• Orchids: Orchids are popular on leis. These are purple or white flowers that are found in the Hawaiian Islands.
• Plumerias: Fragrant and colorful, plumerias are common in leis. They usually come in light shades of color and also smell very potent.
• Tuberose: This flower is fragrant and is commonly used in wedding leis.
• Carnations: Carnations are common in leis and are typically added to give a splash of color. They come in a multitude of colors from very light to very bright.

Cost of DIY Lei Compared to Buying Pre-made

Making a lei can be more economical, but it depends on access to materials and time investment. A pre-made standard flower lei can cost anywhere from $15 to $50, depending on the flowers used and the complexity of the design. On the other hand, making your own lei can cost as little as $5 to $20, depending on whether you grow your own flowers or purchase them. The cost of the lei needle and floss is a one-time investment and will be a great tool if you decide to make more lei. Obviously, the more lei you make, the better you understand the craftsmanship that goes into it. You also get the satisfaction of knowing it was handmade from you. If you are short on time and would rather save the energy, buying a pre-made lei would be a great alternative!

Lei-Making Workshops: Where to Learn

If you’d like to deepen your lei-making skills, consider attending a workshop. Many local organizations, cultural centers, and flower shops offer lei-making classes for all skill levels. Some popular options in Hawaii include:

• Foster Botanical Garden (Honolulu, Oahu): Foster Botanical Garden often hosts lei-making workshops. Check their website for schedule and fee details. The workshops typically cover the basics of lei making, including flower selection, preparation, and stringing techniques.
• Lyon Arboretum (Honolulu, Oahu): Another great option for learning about Hawaiian plants and lei making is the Lyon Arboretum. They offer various cultural workshops throughout the year, including lei making.
• Local Community Centers: Many local community centers and senior centers offer lei-making classes. These are often more affordable than commercial workshops and provide a great opportunity to connect with the local community. Check your local community bulletin board or online directory for options in your area.

These workshops provide hands-on instruction from experienced lei makers, as well as insights into the cultural significance of lei. You’ll learn valuable tips and techniques that will help you create beautiful, meaningful lei.

FAQ Section

Q: What is the best time of year to make lei?
The best time to make lei is during the peak flowering season, which varies depending on the type of flower. In general, spring and summer are the most abundant seasons for flowers in Hawaii. However, many lei flowers, such as plumeria and orchids, bloom year-round in tropical climates.

Q: How long does it take to make a lei?
The time it takes to make a lei depends on the type of lei you’re making and your skill level. A simple Kui lei can be made in as little as 30 minutes, while a more elaborate Haku or Wili lei may take several hours. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first lei takes a little longer to create.

Q: Can I use artificial flowers to make lei?
While fresh flowers are traditionally used in lei making, artificial flowers can be a good alternative if you have allergies or if you want to create lei that will last for a long time. However, keep in mind that artificial flowers lack the fragrance and natural beauty of fresh flowers.

Q: Are there any specific flowers that should not be used in lei?
Some flowers are considered taboo or inappropriate for lei making. For example, certain types of lilies are associated with funerals and should not be used in lei for celebrations. It’s always best to research the symbolism of different flowers before using them in a lei.

Q: How do I dispose of a lei properly?
Traditionally, lei should be returned to nature with respect. You can hang it on a tree, bury it in the ground, or scatter the petals in the ocean. Avoid throwing lei in the trash or leaving them in public places.

References

• Honolulu Botanical Gardens official website.
• University of Hawaii at Manoa, Lyon Arboretum.

Ready to try your hand at lei making? Gathering supplies and learning about your flowers from Hawaii is a wonderful thing; you can truly carry it with you anywhere. So, gather your flowers, thread your needle, and let the aloha spirit guide your hands. Create a beautiful, meaningful lei that will bring joy to yourself and others. The beauty of lei making is in the process, the creativity, and the connection to Hawaiian culture. Start your journey today!