How to Make Hawaiian Flower Leis (hugs)

February 23rd, 2010 admin Posted in flowers |

By Garrett36 Pierson36

The custom of wearing lei in Hawaii is an important part of Hawaiians’ rich tradition. This custom was introduced by travellers from Tahiti. These people were the early settlers of Hawaii. They brought with them different traditions and customs that you can still see in Hawaii.

Originally, leis were made of different materials including flowers, leaves, berries, seeds, nuts, shells, feathers, and so on. The first settlers of Hawaii strung these materials together to make a garland which they wear to beautify themselves and to improve their appearance. Lei is also a symbol of peace. Tribes that are not in good terms would stop fighting once one of the chiefs presented lei to the other.

When given a lei, it is important to accept it. Do not refuse this sign of friendship or you will look rude and ungrateful. Whether you are a tourist or a local, you can wear lei anytime, anywhere.

These days, makers of lei usually use flowers. Flowers give more color to this traditional Hawaiian garland. Lei made of flowers are also easier to make. If you want to know how to make Hawaiian flower leis, you should check out the steps below.

- The first step is to prepare the materials that you will need. Of course you will need fresh Hawaiian flowers, a needle, and a thread. It is important to prepare your materials beforehand and place them in one area so that you do not have to run from one place to another to gather materials when you are in the middle of doing your project.

- It is also important to choose the right flowers. These flowers come from Hawaiian flower plant. Some examples of flowers used in making lei are hibiscus, plumeria, tuberose, gardenia, orchid, and bougainvillea, to list down a few. Plumeria is the most popular flower used in making lei but you have to be careful with this flower. Make sure that they are completely dried up before using them. These flowers have poisonous milky sap that can harm your skin that is why it is important to dry them before doing anything.

- Insert the right length of thread into the hole of the needle. Make sure that the needle is big enough for this kind of project. The thread should also be srong. Do not use a regular thread. You can use a fishing line to make your lei sturdier.

- Start stringing the first flower by inserting the needle with thread directly through the center of the flower. Do not hold the flower too firmly to prevent it from getting damaged.

- After the first flower, you can string the second flower, then the third, and so on. You can create a pattern by using several types of flowers or by adding non-floral materials like shells, leaves, berries, and nuts. String them alternately to create an interesting pattern. Make sure that your needle is sturdy enough for the nuts and berries.

- Once you are almost at the tip of the thread, you should tie the thread to secure the flowers.

Michael Jennings has many interests in topics ranging from gardening to travel to car repair. While travelling to Hawaii and seeing the beauty all around the islands, this helped to drive a desire to write about it.

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