LEI MAKING CLASS

For the Hawaiian people, the lei is an essential part of any celebration or momentous occasion such as weddings, birthdays, greetings or farewells. In hula, the lei is an integral part of the expression of a particular song with different flowers being used depending on nature of the song. The lei is not just a decoration, but a profound tribute to nature as well as a talisman to ward off evil. Ancient Hawaiians made leis out of materials such as shells, stones, seaweed and bones with the objective of drawing mana (power) from these objects. Gradually these materials were exchanged to leaves and flowers.