The lei haku is a braided or plaited lei in which the decorative materials of the lei are added into the braid as it is made. Some kūpuna consider this to be symbolic of the
Lei Haku Popohau
by Yukio Otani
Yukio Otani is a mea haku lei [lei maker] living in Japan. This video was his submission for the 2018 Hilo Lei Day Festival lei competition. It features hydrangea as the decorative element.
Here is his moʻolelo for his lei making:
Mo’ olelo of My Lei
1Ｑ: How did I learn to make this? A: I had no idea how to learn make a lei in Japan, so I ordered books about Hawaii an Lei style from your country. These books were my first contact, then I had a chance to learn how to make a lei in Hawaii.
2Q: Who taught it to me? A: Ms.Marie McDonald. I found a book written by her, so I really wanted to meet her. After that, she taught me a lot of necessary things for the lei.
3Ｑ: Why did I select those particular materials? A: I always using Japanese flowers that growing in my country. Because, Ms.Marie gave me these words ”Having meanings for using plants which were raised and grown in your land. You only have to use Japanese flowers.”
4Q: What memories does making this Lei bring back to me? A: My country…we have four seasons and lots of beautiful scenery in Japan. Living in harmony with nature, traditional works for using of plants, and I always remember their smile who wear a lei which I making and gave for this.
5Q: How did I harvest for it? A: In Japan, especialy for city side, it’s not welcome to pick up flowers from nature, even if it’s growing naturaly, but there are so many farmers of flowers instead. Of course, I always say “Thank you” for the nature when I picking of flowers.
6Q: Do I oli, sing, pule or do anything special when I harvest? A: I am Japanese, so I just tell by my language what the purpose of and appreciation for flowers, leaves and any plants, and then I start harvesting.
7Q: How do you prepare your materials? A: Almost flowers buy from farmers, in that case I usually make a lei by their flowers and give this lei with my gratitude. Different flowers bloom in each season in my country, so I try not to do use flowers out of season.I think a seasonal flowers always send to me a special messages, so I want to receive by using for making lei.
8Q: Do I have a special way to mālama the foliage before/after you make the lei to help it last long? A: I always give the flower water enough. I’d love to enjoy them as long as possible. I must be careful not to waste any flowers, also. I think it’s important things and same way in your country. I using a specialized mist for them and wrapped a dry paper and plastic bag for keeping moisture, after that keep refrigerated. Dried papers will helpful to prevent damaged and steamed flowers by too much water.
9Q: Do I oli when I give the lei? Do I oli when I give the lei? Do I honi? A: Of course, I making a lei for person who wear this only. In Japan, it’s difficult to accept to someone hug and honi. They feel shy because we have no custom of this. Especially for older farmers feel much stronger of this. However, we get each other without hug and honi, just see happy smiles on their faces.
10Q: What do I do with old lei? Why do I do things the way I do them? A: I learned from Ms. Marie that I must to return the lei to it original place where I harvested before. They bloom again after back to mother of earth. It’s important things for natural circulation. In my country, it’s difficult situation to return in the urban areas. For example, we have a traditional fire ceremony that people gather new years ornaments of the neighborhood and burn them in a big bonfire at temple or shrine. It is believed that spirits of the new year are supposed to go home with the smoke of this fire. I think it should be fine to bring back to there, because feel something we have in common. I always keeping mind to follow a Hawaiian way as possible as I can.
