Give a Gift of Lei

To help celebrate our Fall 2020 Convocation, CTAHR Alumni Association and Friends held a lei making class via Zoom on December 12th.

Alumna Samantha Alvarado walked us step by step through the process of making a Maile style ti leaf lei.  In the hour long presentation, participants learned how to start and end the lei along with proper twisting / braiding techniques, remember, always twist to the left and braid to the right!

Samantha, who has been making lei since she was 5 years old, is extremely knowledgeable of not only the processes involved with making lei, but the cultural significance, as well.

Did you know that it is important to return the parts of the plant you do not use in your lei (a.k.a. the rubbish) back to the place you picked from?  This not only helps to give nutrients back to the plant but is also shows Aloha and respect for the plant that gave of itself for your lei making. Another significant cultural practice is to think of the person you will be giving the lei too while you are making it, with a clear mind and good thoughts.

If you would like to learn how to make a Maile style ti leaf lei, click here.

CTAHR Alumni and Friends looks forward to bringing you more lei making classes in the future, so stay tuned!