Lei making is far more than just stringing flowers together; it’s an art form deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, tradition, and the spirit of Aloha. Each strand, each flower, each choice of material carries a story, a meaning, and a connection to the land and the people. Learning to make a lei isn’t just about crafting a beautiful adornment, it’s about understanding and participating in a cherished cultural practice.
The History and Significance of Lei
The history of lei making in Hawaii stretches back long before Western contact. Ancient Hawaiians used lei as adornments, offerings to the gods, and symbols of status. They were crafted from materials readily available in nature: flowers, leaves, seeds, shells, feathers, and even bones and hair. The lei was not merely decorative; it held mana (spiritual power) and conveyed respect, love, and honor. Specific types of lei were reserved for certain occasions or individuals, reflecting the hierarchical structure of Hawaiian society and the importance of honoring one’s ancestors and deities.
According to research on the history of lei from the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden (Bishop Museum Ethnobotanical Garden), the materials used for Lei also held meaning. Lehua blossoms, for instance, were associated with Pele, the volcano goddess. The fragrant plumeria, introduced later, became a popular choice for its beauty and ease of cultivation. Learning about the history and the specific materials provides a context for understanding the art of Lei making.
Types of Lei: A World of Flowers and Materials
The world of Lei is incredibly diverse, with different styles and materials suited for various occasions. Here are some of the most common types:
Haku Lei: This braided lei is often more elaborate, incorporating ferns, flowers, and other greenery woven onto a backing. Haku lei are often worn on the head and are popular for weddings, hula performances, and graduations. The word “haku” means to braid or weave.
Kui Lei: This is the most common type of Lei, made by stringing flowers, seeds, shells, or other materials onto a cord. Plumeria, orchids, and pikake are popular choices for Kui lei.
Lei Hulu: These intricate feather lei are a more recent tradition that’s quickly gaining popularity. They are considered among the most valuable. Lei Hulu are made from feathers, often dyed in vibrant colors. They represent the ali’i (royalty) and high status.
Lei Wili: This type of Lei involves wrapping flowers and foliage around a base, often made of ti leaves or raffia. The wrapped style creates a fuller, more textured Lei suitable for embellishing hula instruments or the head.
Beyond these basic types, there are also lei made from shells (lei pupu), seeds (lei hua), and even candy. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination and the available resources.
Gathering Your Materials: Respecting the Aina (Land)
One of the most important aspects of lei making is respecting the aina (land) and sourcing your materials responsibly. Never take more than you need, and always ask permission before gathering from private property. If you are collecting flowers from public lands, be mindful of any restrictions or regulations. When gathering in forests, respect the native plants and birds. Avoid disturbing their habitats.
If you don’t have access to a garden or natural area, you can purchase flowers and other materials from local florists, craft stores, or even farmers’ markets. Look to support businesses that grow in a sustainable and ethical manner. For example, many local florists on islands like Maui source directly from local flower farmers (Maui Flower Farm).
Essential tools for lei making include:
Lei needle: A long, sturdy needle with a large eye for threading. Available in most craft stores or online.
Thread or string: Strong and durable thread, such as fishing line or waxed nylon thread. Choose a color that complements your flowers.
Scissors or clippers: For trimming stems and cutting thread.
Pliers (optional): Can be helpful for pulling the needle through tough materials like seeds or shells.
Containers: Bowls or trays to hold your flowers and materials.
Workspace: A clean and well-lit area to work.
Spritz Bottle: Mist your flowers with water to keep them fresh.
The Kui Lei Method: Step-by-Step Guide
The kui (stringing) method is the most common technique for making lei. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare your flowers: Remove any leaves or stems that will get in the way. Cut the stems to a consistent length, about 1-2 inches.
- Thread your needle: Cut a length of thread about twice the desired length of your lei. Thread the needle and tie a knot at the end.
- Start stringing: Hold a flower in your non-dominant hand and carefully pierce through the center of the flower with the needle. Gently slide the flower down the thread.
- Continue stringing: Repeat the process, adding flowers one by one. Rotate the colors and sizes as desired. A good starting point is to add flowers until the desired length is reached.
- Finishing the lei: Once you’ve strung enough flowers, remove the needle and tie the two ends of the thread together securely. Trim any excess thread.
- Finishing Touches: Check for gaps and use extra flowers to fill in holes to ensure a full, beautiful lei.
Tips for Success:
Keep your flowers fresh: Store flowers in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container. Mist them with water to keep them hydrated.
Use a variety of flowers: Experiment with different colors, shapes, and textures to create a dynamic and visually appealing lei.
Practice makes perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first lei isn’t perfect. Keep practicing, and you’ll improve with each one you make.
Consider the occasion: Choose flowers and materials that are appropriate for the occasion. For example, a lei made of fragrant pikake might be perfect for a wedding, while a lei made of durable kukui nuts might be suitable for everyday wear.
Example: Making a simple plumeria lei. Plumeria is relatively easy for beginners. Plumeria flowers are common and affordable, and they have a lovely fragrance. To make a plumeria Lei, you’ll need about 50-70 plumeria blossoms, a lei needle, and strong thread. The key is to gently twist each flower as you string it to create a fuller look.
The Haku Lei Technique: Weaving Nature’s Beauty
Creating a haku lei involves a different technique than the kui method, focusing on intertwining flowers and foliage around a base. This method requires more precision and time but results in a more elaborate and stunning lei. Here’s how to make it:
- Prepare the base: Use a strip of flexible material like ti leaves, banana leaves, or raffia. Fold it in half lengthwise to create a sturdy base.
- Choose your materials: Flowers, ferns, leaves, and small embellishments. Keep the flowers fresh and hydrated until ready to use.
- Start weaving: Begin by attaching the first flower or piece of foliage to the base using floral tape or thread. Wrap the material securely along the base.
- Continue weaving: Add more flowers and foliage, overlapping them to create a dense and textured look. Alternate colors and sizes for visual interest.
- Secure the ends: Once the desired length is reached, secure the last flower or foliage tightly. Conceal the attachments so they are not visible.
- Finishing touches: Add ribbons or other decorative elements to the ends of the haku lei for a polished look.
Tips for Success:
Secure each piece: Ensure each flower and foliage is tightly bound to the base to prevent them from falling out. Reinforce the bindings as necessary.
Maintain symmetry: Keep the haku lei balanced and symmetrical, particularly if it will be worn on the head.
Experiment with textures: Combine different textures and shapes for a richer, more visually pleasing lei. Include elements that add depth and dimension.
Crafting at a workshop: Consider going to a Haku Lei workshop. Many floral shops in Hawaii (especially on Oahu, check out arrangement shops in Chinatown) offer these classes. They will let you learn from experienced lei makers. Costs can range from $50 to $150, depending on the materials and duration of the class.
Symbolism in Lei: More Than Just Flowers
Each element in a lei carries symbolic meaning. Understanding this symbolism adds a deeper layer of appreciation to the art of lei making. The choice of flowers, colors, and materials is carefully considered to convey specific messages and emotions.
Plumeria: Represents new beginnings, beauty, and positivity. Often given as a sign of welcome.
Orchids: Symbolize love, beauty, and refinement. Frequently used in wedding lei.
Pikake: Known for its strong, sweet fragrance and symbolizes love and romance. Pikake is often associated with royalty.
Ilima: A royal flower, representing love and respect. Traditionally worn by ali’i (chiefs and nobles).
Maile: Fragrant vine symbolizing peace, respect, and good luck. Commonly used in ceremonies and celebrations.
In addition to flowers, colors also carry meaning: Red can symbolize passion and energy, while yellow represents joy and friendship. White implies purity and respect, and green signifies growth and renewal. By understanding these symbols, you can create lei that convey profound messages and honor the traditions of Hawaii.
Lei Giving Etiquette: The Aloha Spirit in Action
The act of giving a lei is as important as the lei itself. Proper lei giving etiquette reflects respect, love, and the Aloha spirit. Here are some guidelines to consider:
Presentation: Graciously present the Lei to the recipient. If feasible, place it gently around their neck.
Acceptance: Always accept a lei with gratitude and appreciation. Never refuse a lei, as it is considered impolite.
Wearing: Wear the lei immediately and proudly. It’s a sign of respect for the giver and the tradition.
Care: Handle the lei with care. Avoid crushing or damaging it.
Removal: When removing the lei, do so privately and respectfully. Do not discard it carelessly.
Disposal: It is common to return the lei to the earth by hanging it on a tree or placing it on an altar, symbolizing its return to nature.
It is also important to remember that lei should never be thrown away in the trash. This is seen as disrespectful. Instead, consider returning the lei to the ocean or burying it in the ground.
A personal account: I remember attending a friend’s graduation ceremony in Honolulu. After the ceremony, my friend was adorned with dozens of lei. She wore them with pride but was mindful of each lei. At the end of the day, she carefully removed each one and, with her family, placed them at a memorial site. Every Lei was taken off with respect. That moment stuck with me and taught me the importance of lei etiquette.
Preserving Your Lei: Keeping the Aloha Alive
Preserving a lei is a lovely way to keep the memory of a special occasion alive. There are several methods to preserve your Lei, each with its own advantages:
Drying: This is the easiest method. Simply hang the Lei in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. The flowers will dry naturally over time.
Pressing: Pressing flowers between the pages of a heavy book can preserve their shape and color. This method is best for flat flowers like orchids.
Resin: Encasing flowers in resin preserves their color and shape for years to come. This method requires some skill and specialized materials.
Freezing: Flash-freezing flowers can preserve their color and shape. Store the frozen flowers in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Each method varies with cost and practicality. Drying is free but can alter the lei’s appearance over time. Resin preservation can be expensive but delivers a lasting, vibrant keepsake. Select the preservation method that best suits your needs and resources.
Lei Making as a Cultural Practice: Keeping Traditions Alive
Lei making is an integral part of Hawaiian culture. It’s more than just a craft; it’s a way to connect with the land, honor ancestors, and express Aloha. Participating in lei making helps keep traditions alive and ensures they are passed on to future generations.
Many community organizations and cultural centers offer lei making workshops and demonstrations. These workshops provide opportunities to learn from experienced lei makers and immerse yourself in the traditions of Hawaii. Consider visiting places like the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu or the various cultural centers on other islands, which often host lei making demonstrations and classes (Polynesian Cultural Center). You can also check local community centers and senior centers for workshops.
By learning and practicing the art of lei making, you are helping to preserve a valuable cultural heritage. It’s a way to show your respect for the people of Hawaii and the traditions that make this place so special.
Lei making offers a unique lens through which to understand and appreciate Hawaiian culture. Each lei tells a story, conveying deep meaning and Aloha spirit. By trying your hand at lei making, you not only create a beautiful adornment but also engage with a cherished cultural practice.
FAQ Section
What is the best type of flower to use for a beginner lei maker?
Plumeria flowers are often the best starting point for beginners due to their robust nature, availability, and ease of stringing. They are also relatively inexpensive and have a pleasant fragrance. Another good option is carnations. They are easily accessible and last longer than more delicate flowers.
How long will a lei last?
The lifespan of a Lei depends on the type of flowers used and how it is stored. Generally, Lei made with sturdy flowers like orchids or ti leaves can last for several days if refrigerated and misted with water. More delicate flowers, such as plumeria, may only last for a day or two. A lei is most vibrant when freshly made.
Where can I take a lei making class in Hawaii?
Many places offer Lei making classes in Hawaii. Some popular options include the Polynesian Cultural Center, local community centers, and floral shops. Check online listings and local directories for classes and workshops near you.
Is it disrespectful to wear a lei I didn’t make myself?
No, it is not disrespectful to wear a lei you didn’t make. The gesture of giving and receiving lei is highly valued. Whether you make it yourself or receive it as a gift, wearing a lei is an expression of honor and respect, and it is accepted and appreciated in Hawaiian culture.
Can I bring a lei back home with me?
Yes, you can bring lei back home, but you should be aware of agricultural regulations. Some flowers and plant materials may be restricted depending on your destination. Check with the USDA and your destination country’s customs regulations to confirm what is allowed.
What if I am allergic to some flowers?
If you have allergies, inform the lei maker or gift giver about your allergy beforehand. You can request a lei made with hypoallergenic materials like ti leaves or non-fragrant flowers. Alternatively, you can enjoy the sentiment of the lei without wearing it directly against your skin. Hang the Lei instead in a place where you can still appreciate it.
What is the proper way to dispose of a lei?
Never throw a Lei in the trash. Instead, return it to nature. Common practices include hanging it on a tree, placing it on an altar, or returning it to the ocean. This act symbolizes giving back to the earth and respects the natural materials used in the lei.
References
- Bishop Museum Ethnobotanical Garden. (n.d.). Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden.
- Maui Flower Farm. (n.d.). Maui Flower Farm.
- Polynesian Cultural Center. (n.d.). Polynesian Cultural Center.
Ready to experience the art of lei making firsthand? Dive in, gather your materials, and create your own beautiful lei. Whether you’re stringing flowers or weaving foliage, remember to infuse each strand with the spirit of Aloha. Share your creations with friends and family, and pass on the tradition to future generations. You’ll be contributing to the longevity of this beloved Hawaiian custom. Go create something magical!
