Category: Hawaiian Culture

Word of the Day – Ihi

Lei maile
The lei maile is much cherished for its sweet anise-like fragrance.

ihi – To peel or strip bark or fruit, as when stripping bark for lei maile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more lei-making terms with Hua ʻŌlelo Lei, a Lei Maker’s Glossary, available for only 99 cents on Amazon.

Word of the Day – ʻEhipa

ʻehipa – Somewhat crooked. Experienced lei makers carefully sort their materials, and keep the tension even when making a lei so that it is not ʻehipa.

Nānā ʻole nā lima, ʻehipa ka lei. The hands don’t pay attention, the lei is crooked.

“My kūpuna who taught me lei making said that they could tell a person’s mental state by looking at the lei the person was making. If it was ʻehipa, a bit crooked, out of kilter, not evenly made, they would say the person’s mind was distracted, a bit out of kilter. They would advise doing something soothing, and then coming back to the lei with more focus.” ~Leilehua Yuen

Learn more lei-making terms with Hua ʻŌlelo Lei, a Lei Maker’s Glossary, available for only 99 cents on Amazon.

Word of the Day – ʻAʻai

‘A’ai – Bright or vivid, as when colors contrast with each other. For example, when a yellow feather lei is worn on a black velvet holokū (traditional Hawaiian gown), the feathers appear more bright and lustrous, and the velvet appears more dark and rich.

Learn more lei-making terms with Hua ʻŌlelo Lei, a Lei Maker’s Glossary, available for only 99 cents on Amazon.

How to Support the Hilo Lei Day Festival

There are many ways to support
Hilo’s Lei Day Festival

*Before the Festival*

Help Promote
Tweet about it on Twitter
Like and Share on FaceBook
Tell Friends
Help make Posters and Banners

*Help make Lei to Share*
Tī Leaf Lei can be made and Frozen
Ribbon Lei last Forever
Do You have Shell and Kukui Lei You don’t use?
Donations are appreciated!

*Purchase Festival Goodies*
Logowear
Greeting Cards
Books
&
Other Items Advertised on the Site

*During the Festival*
Demonstrate Lei Making
Play Music
Dance Hula
Be an Ambassador of Aloha

*After the Festival*
Help to Clean Up
Help to Write Mahalo Letters
Help Update the Website
Help Create the Next Festival

Do you have an idea for how to support the Hilo Lei Day Festival?
E-mail
info@LeiDay.org