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Uploaded by: ourjrny

In album: Canoe Races 2008 Ka Lae Pohaku Beac...

In Webshots channel: sports
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Date uploaded: Jul 1, 2008

The Hawai`i fragrant flower lei is a bridge to ancient Hawaiian culture. Ti leaf was sacred to the early Hawaiians and an emblem of divine rank and high power. The bright yellow and orange ilima blossoms were worn only by the Ali`i, the ruling class. A Lei is given at every joyous occasion and celebration. The lei represents the Joy of Life. It is a treasured jewel on these islands and so precious that it is often used to mean "child." A Lei may be woven of flowers, seeds, leaves, vines, ferns, nuts and fruits. Flower leis are woven with plumeria, orchids, tuberose, pikake, crown flowers, rosebuds, ilima, ginger's, Ti and Maile leaves. The pink Lakelani rose is Maui's offical flower. The Maile lei is considered to be the oldest lei and is worn by both Bride and Groom in weddings. Early Polynesian voyagers who arrived from Tahiti navigating by the stars in sailing canoes were the first to introduce the lei to Hawai`i. The tradition became popular and early Hawaiians began to wear leis to beautify themselves and distinguish themselves from others. As Maui travel and tourism grew in the Hawaiian islands, the Hawaiian Lei quickly became the symbol of Hawai`i to millions of visitors worldwide.