Hawaiian Clothes

[suziehmkr]

The color that you're seeing on the lei is usually a ribbon to cover up (as you guessed) the area that the lei is tied together. Spleen

Thanks Spleen! I hadn't noticed it was a ribbon - in the pictures it looked like it could have been a flower, but the photos weren't that detailed. That makes complete sense! Thanks again!

[spleen93]

Agreed about the longevity of orchid leis - they do tend to last longer than most (micro ginger seems to fade particularly quickly)

 

Spleen

[beachchick]

Yes, micro ginger doesn't seem to last, but it's so beautiful to wear. I feel very "girly" in it.

 

beachchick

[Ka Honu]

On the other hand (or neck, as the case may be), ti leaves and other flora are frequently braided into the "open" style lei traditional to maile (a fragrant vine usually found in upland forests).

 

Hmmm, I seem to recall that "haku" is the Hawaiian word for "weave" and refers to the method of construction (weave/braid, as opposed to stringing, winding, knotting, etc.). Although most haku lei are seen as head lei they are also used as hatbands or seen on horses (in parades).

Also - Besides being polished and strung as lei (traditionally for alii only), kukui nuts are (were?) also used as a flavoring (called inamona), laxative, dye (from the shell), candle, and as an ingredient in oils and shampoos. Versatile little buggah, eh?

Do I know some useless stuff or what?

[spleen93]

Ka Honu - you may be right about "haku" ... I only hear it in reference to head leis. :)

 

And I personally don't care for inamona in my poke ... but to each their own. :D

 

Spleen