The history of lei making
Chapter 1
Ancient origins and sacred roots
View / Create
Answer
Chapter 2
Island signatures and natural emblems
View / Create
Answer
Chapter 3
The art of the weave
View / Create
Answer
Chapter 4
Modern revival and the spirit of Aloha
View / Create
Answer
YOUR GOAL
Master of The history of lei making
Ch 1 · Ancient origins and sacred roots
torito Ancient Hawaiian Lei Making
From the island's green, leaves and shells were strung, a sacred connection, Aloha's story sung.
Glossary
hula (noun)
A sacred Hawaiian dance that uses graceful hand movements, steps, and chants to tell stories and honor nature. In ancient times, dancers wore special lei made from forest plants to connect with the gods and bring their stories to life. Think of it as a living history book where every wave of the hand and step of the foot has a secret, beautiful meaning.
A sacred Hawaiian dance that uses graceful hand movements, steps, and chants to tell stories and honor nature. In ancient times, dancers wore special lei made from forest plants to connect with the gods and bring their stories to life. Think of it as a living history book where every wave of the hand and step of the foot has a secret, beautiful meaning.
Fun Fact
Feathers of royalty: The ancient Hawaiian lei hulu made of rare mamo bird feathers was reserved exclusively for high-ranking chiefs.
Glossary
lei (noun)
A garland or necklace of flowers, leaves, or other materials, typically worn around the neck. Early Polynesian voyagers introduced this sacred custom to Hawaii, using natural materials to honor their deities.
A garland or necklace of flowers, leaves, or other materials, typically worn around the neck. Early Polynesian voyagers introduced this sacred custom to Hawaii, using natural materials to honor their deities.
Quiz
What highly prized material was used alongside braided human hair to make the prestigious lei niho palaoa worn by Hawaiian chiefs?
Quiz
What did the symbolic act of intertwining a green maile vine lei signify between opposing Hawaiian chiefs in a temple?
Quiz
In Hawaiian tradition, why are lei given to pregnant women kept open-ended instead of tied in a closed circle?
Quiz
Around which year did ancient Polynesian voyagers first bring the roots of lei-making traditions to the Hawaiian Islands?
Quiz
Which native plant's shiny green leaves are traditionally woven into open-ended lei and used to honor the goddess Laka?
Quiz
According to traditional Hawaiian protocol, what is the proper way to dispose of a natural lei that has withered?
Quiz
Which Hawaiian goddess of hula and the forest is traditionally honored during the gathering of plants for sacred hula leis?