The Tradition of Lei-Giving

NOTE: In the Hawaiian language, making things plural is not done by adding an “s” after it, as in “one lei, two leis.” Instead, “the lei” is ka lei, and “the lei” (more than one) is nā lei. Just a little `ōlelo Hawai`i (Hawaiian language) lesson for this article.

History of the Hawaiian Lei

The custom of lei giving was introduced by early Polynesian voyagers from Tahiti. In early times, lei were made of leaves, feathers, shells, flowers, nuts, and even bone and teeth of various animals.

Garlands of lei, the maile lei being the most significant, were worn by ancient Hawaiians to beautify themselves and distinguish themselves from others. Made of fragrant leaves of the maile vine, lei-giving once symbolized peace between opposing chiefs. Today, it is worn ceremoniously to communicate love, respect, blessing, reverence, and friendship. It is also a favorite graduation gift.

Lei–Giving, A Symbolism of Aloha

The lei itself represents an important value in Hawaiian cultural practices, but the manner in which a lei is given is symbolic in itself. Typically, when visitors arrive in Hawai`i, a welcome lei is presented. The receiver bows their head and the giver drapes the lei around their neck. A kiss of aloha on the cheek completes the tradition. Read more.

E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center Scholarship applications – Open May 1

Aloha mai kākou, Itʻs OFFICIAL! Our RISE! Scholarship Program is NOW OPEN to receive applications from E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center Members who joined either on or before April 1, 2021.

Please be sure to visit our website for more details (eligibility, steps, and FAQs) and apply. 

This month is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We honor our ancestors: past, present, and future by learning more about them. 

1. Choose a book or journal and get lost in the moʻolelo (story). 
2. Schedule time to visit your ancestors to kōkua (help) where you can, and spend time listening intently about their lifeʻs journey.
3. Be sure to share aloha with the younger generation as they will be the “keepers of the flame.” 

Honor and cherish our ancestors. Learning more about them will help us understand ourselves. This particular ʻŌiwi TV segment is touching as it is in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language), and it captures the splendor of Helen Haleola Lee Hongʻs haupia preparation. Mmmmmm...ʻono!

Motherʻs Day Preparation

Learn something new this year to help with Mother’s Day preparations. Get your Kuʻu Māmā (“My Dear Mommy”) Box and hoʻomākaukau (be ready) to make ʻono, sweet and savory, Hawaiʻi-style crepes with gluten-free breadfruit flour, sun-ripened mango, ʻuala (sweet potato), and poi coconut butter! Better still, the box comes with a free cooking demo and Hawaiian language class with our friends at Kū-A-Kanaka. Learn more about this unique, limited edition Mother's Day offer here!

Mom-curated box contents ship frozen in compostable, insulated packaging and include 16 oz. ’Ulu Flour, 12 oz. ’Uala, 16 oz. Mango, provided in partnership with MangoMana, 11 oz. Poi Coconut Butter by Akaka Falls Farm, Recipes + Shopping List, Access to the live cooking demo & language class. Note: the live cooking demo will be held virtually via zoom on Thursday, May 6th from 5-6 pm HST and will provide instruction on recipe-related ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) as well as moʻolelo and manaʻo about ʻulu from a Native Hawaiian perspective. The demo will be recorded and shared with participants so you can rewatch as needed to prepare the crepes on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 9th. Your participation in this event supports the perpetuation of indigenous crops and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, as well as island farmers, educators, and small businesses.

Onolicious

Lemon Garlic Shrimp

“All the delicious flavors of a North Shore shrimp truck experience, plus plenty sauce for rice or pasta!” - Chef Keoni Chang, Chief Food Officer, Foodland

Ingredients 

• ½ block unsalted butter
• 1½ lbs. shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• ¼ cup fresh garlic cloves (chopped)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 lemon ( ½ juiced and ½ cut into wedges)

Instructions

1. Heat a skillet to medium high.
2. Add in the butter in slices.
3. When the butter melts and starts to sizzle, add in the shrimp in a single layer.
4. Allow to cook for 2 minutes then turn the shrimp.
5. Sprinkle in the garlic.  Allow to sizzle for 2 minutes then add in the parsley and toss the shrimp in the pan.
6. Add in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

Serve with the wedges on the side. Serves 4.

EHCC Activities

Apr 25-May 30 (Sun): EHCC is pleased to present the second part of the Rise! Keiki Vibrancy Series featuring, ‘Āina (Land). The time is from 11AM - 11:45AM EST. The cost is Free! Register here.

May 1 (Sat): E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center Scholarships application opens. Learn more.

May 1 (Sat): What a beautiful way to share lei on such a special day! Thank you Hardy Middle School, for inviting us to share lei making, history, and care with all of you in D.C.The smell of pua melia (plumeria) and tuberose throughout the day and the smiles all around elevated the experience.

Community Connections

May 1-31: National Museum of the American Indian is pleased to present, The Story of the Lūʻau. Explore the story of the Native Hawaiian tradition of lūʻau and learn why it plays such an important role in Hawaiian culture. View here.

May 7 and 28 (Fri): Kuana Torres Kahele is pleased to present a variety of hula workshops in May, from beginners to intermediate. Time and costs vary. To learn more, click here.

May 14 (Fri): Pa`i Foundation is pleased to present, a hula workshop with Robert Cazimero. Learn a new ʻauana mele from world renowned Kumu Hula Robert Uluwehi Cazimero. The mele he will be teaching is "Mai Haʻi Ia Haʻi" from The Brothers Cazimero's "Don't Tell". The cost is $40. Register here.

May 16 (Sun): 51st Ukulele Virtual Festival Hawai‘i Workshop Day. Roy Sakuma will be joined by Neal Chin and Jake Shimabukuro in a day of learning. Join in for back-to-back classes. Learn more here.

May 20 (Thur): National Museum of the American Indian is pleased to present, Youth in Action: Ecological Knowledge in Pacific Coastal Communities. Join in the conversation with young Indigenous activists from across the Pacific who are using traditional ecological practices to combat threats to the ocean resources their communities have protected and thrived on for thousands of years. View here.

Interested in sharing something in our Newsletter? How about a special event or announcement?

Please send an email to: Marilyn@ealaehcc.org