The symbolism of the plants of Heavenly Liliʻu
The kaona of plants and plant materials is deeply embedded in Hawaiian culture. Here we present plants which may not necessarily be used in lei, but are, nonetheless, culturally important.
You can learn even more about the language of lei making through our downloadable glossary below. Only 99 cents. All of the profits from book sales help to keep this website on-line.
In the photo above, we see many symbolic plants included in the hoʻokupu for Liliʻuokalani, last reigning monarch of Hawaiʻi, at the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of her death.
Just the fact that a gift is a lei can symbolize deep affection for the recipient. The many lei offered here as hoʻokupu are representative of the deep affection held for Liliʻu. They include lei maile, kalaunu, pua tuberose, pua ʻokika, an eyelash yarn lei representing the lei mamo, and the fruits of the land. Also included in the hoʻokupu were packets of paʻa kai (salt).
Adorning her photo, we see pua kalaunu poni (purple crown flower), said to have been her favorite flower. Introduced to Hawaiʻi during the monarchy, it came to represent royalty (purple, crown). to the Queen’s right, we also see the pua kalaunu kea (white crown flower), also representing royalty, which is frequently used in bridal lei because of its association with purity and “queen for the day.”
Kukui, representing enlightenment, as the kernel was burned as a light, tops the hoʻokupu.
A pūʻolo contains another hoʻokupu. The orange of a lei hala can be seen peeping from the other hoʻokupu. A pair of lau hala (pandanus leaf) bracelets brings to mind the word “hala,” to pass away, to die, meaning both that the Queen has died, and also a prayer that grief shall pass away.
Lauaʻe abundantly covers the table on which most of the hoʻokupu rest. While this particular variety was introduced during the Monarchy, there is a native relative, peʻa (on Kauaʻi and Niʻihau it is known as lauaʻe) which has become hard to find. Lauaʻi is also known in Hawaiʻi as “maile-scented fern.” It is often used as a substitute for maile, and, like maile, represents the sweetness of aloha.
Lei maile presented as hoʻokupu, in addition to the symbolism of the sweet fragrance of aloha, with the strands twisted together represent an intertwining of strength. As the individual strands of a rope are strong when twisted together, so are people strong when they bring together their strengths in unity.
Lei made from several different flowers and colors of flowers often are a play off of the meaning of pua as the people of the queen, the many kinds and colors representing her people of many backgrounds.
Other adornments also were filled with symbolism.
Eight feather kāhili stood in two rows down the church aisle. The feathered standards have been used from ancient times by Hawaiian royalty. Similarly to how the nobility of Europe use banners with coats of arms, Hawaiian nobility use kahili to show status, lineage, and family ties.
There are many sizes and styles of kahili, from very small kahili-pa`a-lima (hand kahili), to the towering formal kahili. There are also many intermediary sizes which each have their own place in traditional regalia. At her funeral, Liliʻuokalani was attended by her personal kāhili, as well as state kāhili. In life, she was attended by kāhili bearers who held the sacred standards and followed her.
At the pulpits, two kāhili lāʻī stood. The original form of the kāhili was based on the leaf arrangement of the kī (Cordyline terminalis) plant. A simple tall stalk, unadorned, denoted that this was a chief. Over time, the leaves were bent into distinctive patterns, and lashed in place. Lonoikamakahiki is said to have taken this as inspiration, and used the pattern and lashing style to create the feathered kāhili with which we are familiar today.
Traditionally, the larger kāhili would be disassembled and stored between uses. On reassembly, the feathers would be examined for damage, and any necessary repairs would be made. Because of this, the appearance of a kāhili might evolve over time.
Hala is not only the pandanus, but also a word meaning transgression, and to pass away. When a person breaks something, one might hear Hawaiian people softly say, “hala!” meaning, “a mistake!”
The lei hala and the hala fruit, in the context of the memorial service, have essentially the same meaning as The Lord’s Prayer, and represent forgiveness of any wrongdoing, and passing away of grief.
The foliage arrangements at the rail also have their own meaning. These are relatively modern meanings, but they have their roots in ancient meanings.
The lāʻī, tī leaf, represents spiritual protection. The ʻape, a relative of the taro, represents the ability to stay strong in hardship. The ʻiwaʻiwa fern represents the ʻiwa bird – emblem of royalty. the kukui represents enlightenment. The ʻAwa represents heeding heeding the Word of God. The palapalai represents adorning oneself in righteousness. The hāpuʻu represents our connection to the natural world.
Moa, Psilotum nudum, is used in lei making, medicine, a children’s game, and the spores were used as a talcum powder for men’s malo (loin cloth). It is a branching epiphyte, distinctive for its round, gold spore cases. It can be found growing on hāpuʻu, on rocks, and on stone walls.
The name, “moa,” also is the name of a class of traditional warrior. While Americans think of “chickens” as taking alarm and running in fear at every little thing, other cultures recognize the “never say die” spirit of the bird. The Hawaiian moa, or jungle fowl, is a fierce fighter, defending his flock and territory from all comers, no matter the size. Hawaiian warriors are expected to be as fearless and agile in battle as a fighting cock. Hence, in lei making, the plant can represent the fighting spirit. Liliʻuokalani spent her entire life fighting for her people.
In addition to the traditional plants, a special flower arrangement was made by Dutchie Saffery.
The tī leaves are arranged to represent praying hands uplifted to the Lord, the red ginger represents the blood of Jesus, and the anthuriums represent aloha the love of the Lord.
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Interested in learning about lei making and Hawaiian plants?
You can learn even more about the language of lei making through our downloadable glossary. Only 99 cents. All of the profits from book sales help to keep this website on-line.