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.
What is maile in Hawaiian?
What is the meaning of the name Maile? The name Maile is primarily a female name of Hawaiian origin that means Shrub, Vine. Sweet smelling vine.
What is Maile flower?
Alyxia stellata, known as maile in Hawaiian, is a species of flowering plant in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, that is native to Hawaii. It grows as either a twining liana, scandent shrub, or small erect shrub, and is one of the few vines that are endemic to the islands.
What does a Haku lei symbolize?
A haku lei, or lei po’o, is a lei made for the head (haku literally means “to braid”). The tradition of making and giving lei stems from ancient Hawai’i, when lei were used as for ceremonial purposes, as adornment, and to signify rank.
What is the meaning of maile lei? – Related Questions
Can a pregnant woman wear a Haku lei?
A haku or flower crown is also acceptable for pregnant women. Men often wear lei constructed of ti leaf, kukui nuts or leaves, and grooms are often seen wearing a maile lei, and open-ended lei made of maile vine, symbolizing royalty.
What type of lei is appropriate for a funeral?
The Maile Lei is considered the most appropriate and revered lei for funerals and memorials, however virtually any lei may be used to honor your loved one.
Who can wear a Haku lei?
Anyone can wear one, anytime – there need not be an occasion. It is perfectly fine for one to purchase or make a lei for themselves. It is common for locals to have a nut, seed or shell lei on hand to wear on special occasions.
What does the flower behind the ear mean?
In Hawaiian culture, a flower behind a woman’s right ear indicates that she is single. If the flower is behind her left ear, it indicates that she is engaged, married, or dating.
What does a lei flower over the left ear mean?
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 the difference between Haku and lei Po o?
A lei haku has at least two types of flower materials incorporated into the lei using a three-strand braid. Nowadays, people mistakenly refer to nearly all lei poʻo, or lei that are worn on our heads, as haku lei; but haku refers to the style of lei-making, not where the lei is worn.
Who is Haku in love with?
He has the ability to fly in his true form, which is a dragon. Over the course of the movie his relationship with Chihiro becomes stronger, especially after she learns he is a dragon. This bond eventually leads to them falling in love, for it was their love for each other that broke Zeniba’s spell on Haku.
How do you wear a lei poo?
The proper way to wear a closed lei is on the shoulders where it is draped half in front and half down the back. Open leis are worn with the middle of the lei hanging in the middle of the neck and the open ends evenly down the front. You do not need a special occasion to wear a lei. A lei can be worn anytime by anyone.
What is a Samoan lei called?
‘Ula Fala. Handcrafted in Samoa. The ‘Ula Fala are made from the pandanus fruit. The pieces are dried and painted red. The lei or necklace, measures approximately 45″ long.
What is disrespectful in Samoa?
It is insulting to pass something over the top of someone’s head or to touch or pat the head of an adult. Avoid wearing any revealing clothing when walking through villages. Women should take particular care to avoid showing their knees and shoulders.
Are Hawaiians and Samoans the same?
The Samoans are a Polynesian people closely related to the native peoples of New Zealand, French Polynesia, Hawaii, and Tonga.
Why do you give someone a lei?
Lei can also be made of leaves, seeds, shells, nuts, and more. Whatever a lei is made of, in Hawaii they are honored as a special gift. To give a lei to someone is to express your affection for them; for that reason, you should always receive a lei with gratitude and never refuse the gift of a lei.
Can you refuse a lei in Hawaii?
Lei Etiquette
Always accept aloha: Because lei are considered a symbol of affection and aloha, you should never refuse lei. If you must remove lei for whatever reason (such as allergies) do so discreetly.
Does the color of the lei mean anything?
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.
How do you preserve a maile lei?
Maile Leis:
Mist the leis with fresh water and put them back in the box, but not in the plastic. Store them on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Set your refrigerator on its warmest setting. Later, the lei may be dried out and hung up, or the leaves may be used to scent clothing.
How long will maile lei last?
The proper care can help your lei last longer. Almost all orchid lei styles, as well as ti leaf, maile lei should last about 3-7 days after arrival. For Pikake & Tuberose lei, they are more sensitive and have a shorter shelf life.