Aloha no!
We just started using the Google AdSense advertising service to help generate income to support our festival and programs. If you notice any inappropriate ads, please contact info@leiday.org immediately so that we can block them.
And, if you know of some very cool products we should promote, please let us know about those, too!
Mahalo!
On an auspicious day, Chinese New Year 2019, the Urban Kīpuka Project signed a Letter of Understanding with the Christiansen ʻohana to take kuleana for an amazing wahi pana in Hilo!
As you can see, the parcel is completely overrun with invasive species. We will be testing mitigation techniques for removing the invasives and replanting with native and traditional species. We will use traditional chants of the area as a guide fo selecting plants to use in rehabilitation, as well as traditional and kanu plants with the potential to financially support rehabilitation of the wahi pana.
To assure its safety and integrity, the exact location of this parcel will be disclosed only to those actively involved in its rehabilitation.
YOU can participate and kōkua through the Urban Kīpuka Project!
One of the questions I am frequently asked is “I know women wear the flower leis; what kind of lei do men wear?”
See this topic on Quora: Hawaiian 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.
When I select a lei for someone, the first thing I consider is what the person will be doing, and how the person will be attired, when wearing it. Knee-length strands of pīkake would not be a good choice for someone who will be riding a horse, or surfing. But it might be perfect for a stately formal event, or for hula.
The next thing I consider is allergies. Be sure the recipient is not allergic to the materials used in the lei!
After that, I think of favorite flowers, colors, or anything else I know about the recipient.
There are some additional customs: Only give open lei to someone who is hāpai (pregnant). Since Victorian times, fragrant white lei are popular for brides. Lei hala are favored for graduations, funerals, and people from Puna. Strongly scented lei are avoided as gifts for musicians until after the performance.
Some flowers and foliage will stain clothing, but can worn with a low-cut or off-the-shoulder garment. Those wearing clothing which would be damaged might accept the lei with their hands, and place it where they can enjoy seeing it.
So feel free to give maile to a woman, and roses to a man. The lei is a cherished gift, and should be accepted as such.
