What are leis?
Leis are what you call those flowery necklaces all visitors get when they first step foot into Hawaii. It is a sign of hospitality and respect for both the host and the visitor. When you are offered a lei, one should never reject the offering. It is a sign of great disrespect. Leis signify the host welcoming the visitor into the country. It also symbolizes the Hawaiian's spirit of friendship, hope and family. But how do you make one?
Leis are easy to make. All you have to do is to gather the required materials and begin with your work. Make sure to use sturdy and hardy flowers, like orchids for example. And avoid using too fragrant flowers, some people might be allergic to them, especially those with allergies or rhinitis. Also for those who might have pollen allergies, make sure that the flowers have dried out and are at least one-day old. This is also to make sure that if the flowers do have any poisonous saps, toxins, or fluids left; they would at least be away from the skin. Dried sap does the same damage as age-old resin.
To start off, you need a blunt needle, thread, scissors, and the flowers to be used. Thread the string through the flower's centers using the blunt needle and continue on until you reach at least a few feet. Leis are supposed to be worn in the neck up to the shoulders. Estimate and try to count the figures. Leis need to be able to hold well but not to be too tight as to strangle the wearer.
Once they are done, you can immediately give them to your intended person. Leis can also be stored in the refrigerator if you need to use them for the next day or days. Some flowers last longer, others need to be used immediately once they are made. It is important that you know what types of flowers spoil easily, and what flowers don't. Check with your local flower shop for details on these.
Almost anyone can do whatever they want to the leis once they accept it. If they want, they can even wear it again. Just follow the instructions on how to store them. Leis make great necklaces if they are mostly fresh and a day-old. Should you discard the lei, one must throw it either on the ocean for hopes of returning to the island, or return them to the earth as is custom for mother nature to get back what we took.
From one necklace, a culture hinges its tradition, belief and values. Leis can be considered the national treasure of Hawaii.
Leis are what you call those flowery necklaces all visitors get when they first step foot into Hawaii. It is a sign of hospitality and respect for both the host and the visitor. When you are offered a lei, one should never reject the offering. It is a sign of great disrespect. Leis signify the host welcoming the visitor into the country. It also symbolizes the Hawaiian's spirit of friendship, hope and family. But how do you make one?
Leis are easy to make. All you have to do is to gather the required materials and begin with your work. Make sure to use sturdy and hardy flowers, like orchids for example. And avoid using too fragrant flowers, some people might be allergic to them, especially those with allergies or rhinitis. Also for those who might have pollen allergies, make sure that the flowers have dried out and are at least one-day old. This is also to make sure that if the flowers do have any poisonous saps, toxins, or fluids left; they would at least be away from the skin. Dried sap does the same damage as age-old resin.
To start off, you need a blunt needle, thread, scissors, and the flowers to be used. Thread the string through the flower's centers using the blunt needle and continue on until you reach at least a few feet. Leis are supposed to be worn in the neck up to the shoulders. Estimate and try to count the figures. Leis need to be able to hold well but not to be too tight as to strangle the wearer.
Once they are done, you can immediately give them to your intended person. Leis can also be stored in the refrigerator if you need to use them for the next day or days. Some flowers last longer, others need to be used immediately once they are made. It is important that you know what types of flowers spoil easily, and what flowers don't. Check with your local flower shop for details on these.
Almost anyone can do whatever they want to the leis once they accept it. If they want, they can even wear it again. Just follow the instructions on how to store them. Leis make great necklaces if they are mostly fresh and a day-old. Should you discard the lei, one must throw it either on the ocean for hopes of returning to the island, or return them to the earth as is custom for mother nature to get back what we took.
From one necklace, a culture hinges its tradition, belief and values. Leis can be considered the national treasure of Hawaii.
About the Author:
Leaving for awhile to Hawaii? Why not make it worth the trip? Hawaii craft fairs. Visit Hawaii craft fairs, that's what I use to check up on mine.
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