Maile-Style Tī Leaf & White Orchid Lei

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COMPOSITION & CONSTRUCTION

Shape: Flat
Materials Used: Orchids & Tī plant
Hawaiian Name: ‘Okika & Kī
Scientific Name: Dendrobium & Cordyline terminalis
This lei is mimicked after the beautiful Maile Lei which hangs as an open-ended lei. The Tī Leaf Lei itself is very durable and when mixed with white orchids ends up making a wonderful Maile-Style Tī Leaf and Orchid Lei.

DIMENSIONS

Width: 3 inches in diameter.
Length: About 6 feet from end to end. Drapes past the waist when worn.

CARE

Durability: Fairly durable.
Instructions: Mist orchids with water and store in a bag in the refrigerator.

RELATED INFORMATION

Dendrobium orchids have been among Hawaii’s most popular plants since they were introduced from the Philippines in 1896. They have since become the single most valuable commercial flower in Hawaii. Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands will notice orchids throughout their vacation – they may receive a fresh orchid lei upon arrival, or enjoy a tropical cocktail with a fresh orchid hanging on the lip of their glass.

The tī plant was brought to Hawaii prior to 1778 by the early Polynesians from Tangaroa, Tane, Tī, and Rongo. Hawaiian Kī was considered sacred to the Hawaiian god, Lono, and to the goddess of the hula, Laka. It symbolized high rank and divine power. The leaves were used by the kahuna priests in ancient rituals as protection from evil spirits.

In old Hawaii, Kī was extremely important for practical reasons as well. It was commonly used medicinally. The leaves were wrapped around warm stones to serve as hot packs for injuries. The leaves were also boiled to make a drink, which aided in nerve and muscle relaxation, and the steam from boiled young shoots and leaves was an excellent decongestant.

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