What does lei Po o mean?
What does lei Po o mean?
A haku lei, or lei po’o, is a lei made for the head (haku literally means “to braid”). The tradition of making and giving lei stems from ancient Hawai’i, when lei were used as for ceremonial purposes, as adornment, and to signify rank. (
How long does lei Po last?
about 5-7 days
Hawaiian Haku leis are generally made of orchids which is known to be a hardy flower. Orchids flowers and blooms gather moisture and nutrients from the air, so where it is stored is important to extending the life of the lei. With proper care, an flower lei will last for about 5-7 days after it is made.
Is there a common laua’e fern in Hawaii?
This is true for the common laua‘e fern in Hawaii. Microsorum scolopendria, the Australian species of “laua‘e“ has been in Hawaii for so long that many people think it’s the endemic Hawaiian Laua’e Fern, Microsorum spectrum. Somewhat confusingly, these two attractive fern species in Hawai‘i share the name laua‘e.
What is a Hawaiian laua’e?
The Hawaiian laua‘e also exudes a signature scent, one celebrated in old chants and mele (songs). The native Hawaiian laua‘e (Microsorum spectrum) is so rare it has been replaced in cultural hula practices with the non-native fern, Microsorum scolopendria, which is more common.
What is the origin of the Hawaiian Lei?
According to the late, esteemed ethnobotanist Isabella Abbott, Hawaiians of the past regularly perfumed their kapa (barkcloth) bedding with laua‘e and braided the sweet-smelling fronds into lei. On Maui, the native laua‘e is known by yet another name: pe‘ahi.
What is the difference between kapa cloth and laua’e?
Traditionally, true Laua’e was used to scent kapa cloth with its delicate maile like fragrance as well as in lei making and for native spiritual practices including hula. Both species are beloved by lei makers and Hawaiian cultural practitioners either way.
