|
NA LEI |
||
|
Lei Lehua There are many varieties of lehua: lehua 'ahihi, a weeping variety with red stems; lehua-'apane, having deep red flowers; lehua-ha'akea, lehua kea, lehua-puakea, having white flowers; lehua-ku-ma-kua, with heart-shaped leaves connected directly to the main stem; lehua-lau-li'i, with very small leaves; lehua-maka-noe, lehua-ne'ene'e, that grows in the bogs: lehua mamo, with yellow flowers; lehua-papa, from the high forest of the Ko'olau Mountains of O'ahu with round, leathery, grooved leaves. The pua lehua, flowers; the lau lehua, mature leaves; the liko lehua, the young leaves and buds; and the hua lehua, or seed capsules, are all used in lei making. The pua lehua and the liko lehua are preferred for their brilliant color, scent and symbolism of strength. The lehua, in ancient times, was a symbol of strength. Ancient lore forbids the plucking of the red lehua blossom and the wearing of lei lehua when going to Kilauea, for it will surely rain. After reaching the crater, leis of lehua can be and were made, then thrown into the pit as offerings to Pele. Ancient lore did not forbid the gathering of blossoms and the wearing of the lehua lei when returning from Kilauea. It was encouraged, for it was proof that one had visited with Pele at the crater. Reference: Ka Lei, The Leis of Hawaii by Marie A. McDonald |