What is a neck lei called?

Lei kui. The most common and beloved of our lei-making traditions is lei kui. Kui is the term for needle, and refers to piercing or stringing things together. Lei kui are most often worn around the neck, lei 'āʻī.

What is a lei around neck?

Hawaiian neck ornament. lei, a garland or necklace of flowers given in Hawaii as a token of welcome or farewell. Leis are most commonly made of carnations, kika blossoms, ginger blossoms, jasmine blossoms, or orchids and are usually about 18 inches (46 cm) long. They are bestowed with a kiss as a sign of hospitality.

What are the different types of lei?

What do Hawaiians wear around their neck?

Lei is the name of the famous flower necklace made in Hawaii. Hawaiian leis are vibrant and colorful wreaths or garlands worn around the neck. They feature fresh tropical flowers but, on a wider interpretation, it can also mean a series of items strung together so that they can be worn.

What is a Haku lei?

Haku Lei. These terms are interchangeable and describe a lei that is worn on the head. In Hawaiian, “po'o” means “head,” so a lei po'o is a “head lei.” A haku lei is a lei made in the traditional style without any thread.

Making a Hawaiian Lei at Home

What does a maile lei represent?

For centuries, leis made from the shiny fragrant leaves of maile (alyxia oliviformis) have been used to communicate love, respect, blessing, enduring devotion, reverence, friendship, and a desire for peace. Maile is an indigenous vine or shrub found in wet forests throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

Who can wear a Haku lei?

There are very few “rules” when it comes to wearing a Hawaiian lei. Anyone can wear one, anytime – there need not be an occasion.

What is a Hawaiian Holoku?

Although it originated in Hawaii in the 1820s as a loose gown without a waistline or train and was worn for everyday wear, the holoku today is a long formal gown with a train.

How do you wear Haku?

The haku is often worn on the head, but it can also be work around the wrists, ankles and neck and even tied around a hat. These leis are often worn for luaus, weddings and graduations.

What does it mean when a Hawaiian gives you a lei?

A lei is a common symbol of love, friendship, celebration, honor or greeting. In essence, it is a symbol of Aloha. In ancient Hawaii, wearing a lei represented wealth, royalty and rank.

Do different leis mean different things?

There are no official meanings of the different colors of Hawaiian leis, but there are some types of leis that are commonly given for certain occasions. Meanings of the leis are often based on the material as opposed to color. Purple, green, and white leis are often made from orchids.

When should you not wear a lei?

Last, but not least, there is one more taboo…it is considered (in Hawaii) impolite to give a closed (tied) lei to a pregnant woman. Many Hawaiians feel that a closed lei around the neck is bad luck for the unborn child. (Head Hakus and open-ended leis are acceptable to give to pregnant woman.)

How long is a Haku lei?

The Haku Lei also known as Lei Po'o or Flower Crown is a favorite Hawaiian custom. "Haku" is the technique defined as to put in order or make a wreath. This haku features beautiful all purple dendrobium orchids, babys breath and fern. Being approximately 21 inches in length, our Haku are 1-size fits all for adults.

Why do seniors wear leis?

When a person gives someone a lei, it symbolizes their affection towards the other. Leis are commonly presented when someone is arriving and leaving, so it's no surprise that leis are given to graduates as they are leaving school and arriving to this new stage of life.

What does a kukui nut lei symbolize?

Since Kukui is a source of light, it has come to symbolize enlightenment, knowledge, and learning. For this reason kukui nut lei are often used by educators for conferences, special occasions, or ceremonies.

Is it rude to take off a lei?

It is considered rude to remove your lei in the presence of the person who gave it to you. If you must remove it for practical reasons, it is polite to discreetly take it off and then hang it in a place of honor for all to see.

What is a Hawaiian headpiece called?

Called lei po'o or haku in Hawaiian, these type of headband lei adorn the wearer's head and were popularized for use in hula kahiko dancing. Called lei po'o or haku in Hawaiian, these type of headband lei adorn the wearer's head and were popularized for use in hula kahiko dancing.

What does a flower behind a woman's right ear mean in Hawaii?

In the Hawaiian culture, if you are to wear a flower behind your left ear, you are married and/or unavailable. Wearing a flower on the right side signifies the opposite, that the person in question is single and possibly looking for love. Be sure to wear accordingly!

What is a Hawaiian Kahu?

1. n. Honored attendant, guardian, nurse, keeper of ʻunihipili bones, regent, keeper, administrator, warden, caretaker, master, mistress; pastor, minister, reverend, or preacher of a church; one who has a dog, cat, pig, or other pet.

What is Hawaiian Lolo?

LOLO (lō-lō) A Hawaiian language word meaning dumb, goofy or crazy. “Did you hear what he said? That guy's lolo.”

What does Noni mean in Hawaii?

The noni plant is known as one of the two-dozen canoe plants that the first Native Hawaiians brought on their voyage to Hawai'i. And noni is the only plant that was exclusively used for medicinal purposes — which is why many consider it the aspirin of the ancients!

Can a woman wear a maile lei?

The answer is that men, women, māhū, boys, girls, and any anyone else can pretty much wear whatever lei they wish. The important thing is that the lei be given and worn with aloha.

Can you take a lei home from Hawaii?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits certain items, including some flowers used in Hawaiian leis, from entering the U.S. mainland to protect against harmful plant pests.

What does an open lei mean?

In Hawaii, there is a special type of lei that is given to pregnant women. An open-ended lei is considered the only type for a pregnant woman, as the closed type is considered unlucky for the baby. Another way to honor a pregnant woman is to present her with a head haku instead of a lei that goes around the neck.