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NA LEI |
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Maile Maile is probably the oldest and the most popular material used in leis by the early Hawaiians. This straggling, vine like shrub, grows in the forest of lower and middle elevations. The shiny, leathery leaves and the bark is used to make the lei. The maile from each of the islands have minute differences. The maile from Hawai'i is large leafed, from Kaua'i it is round and small leafed, from O'ahu is middle sized leaf. There is maile lau nui, large leaves; maile lau li'i, small eaves; maile lau li'ili'i, very small leaves. There is brittle maile, maile ha'i wale, luxuriant maile, greedy maile and sweet leafed maile, maile kaluhea. Maile was associated with worship of the gods, especially the gods of the hula. It was sacred to Laka and was offered at her altar with other plants of the native forest. The lei maile was a peace offering on the field of battle. The four sisters of Aiwohikupua were Maile-ha'i-wale, brittle maile, Maile-pakaha, many branched maile, Maile-kaluhea, large leafed, fragrant maile, and Maile-lau-li'i, small leafed maile. Reference: Ka Lei, The Leis of Hawaii by Marie A. McDonald |