Our holiday in Maui is almost over but I wanted to share one more post about Hawaiian hospitality before I fly home in a couple days. Another symbol of Hawaiian hospitality is the lei (pronounce lay). This fragrant floral necklace represents the warm-heartedness of Hawaiian life and Hawaiian hospitality which is referred to as the “aloha spirit.” The lei is given as a welcome to visitors and a gift for guests, hostess gifts, etc. It can be made out of flowers, shells, nuts.... For a sweet treat, even candy can be strung into a lei.
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| Internet photo of the white plumeria |
My favorite lei is made from the plumeria flower. It has a beautiful fragrance and can be found in colors like pink, white and sort of a burnt pinky orange. The fragrance has been made into body lotions, bodywash, soap etc. Also, the delicate flower is seen in jewelry - necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc. We have a huge plumeria tree (white with yellow centers) right outside our condo door, but sadly, February is not the blooming season so it is without these gorgeous blooms. I found a pictures on the internet to illustrate the lei made from the white plumeria.
Thinking there has to be some plumeria out there, I went on the hunt! My husband was ready to stop the car and for me to jump out with my camera if I saw any plumeria!! Well, I found this tree in the middle of our parking lot! This plumeria tree is pink and I managed to take some pictures of the tree and its gorgeous blossoms. The blossoms grow in clumps and there are different varieties, all being lovely.
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| Pink Plumeria - picture taken in Kihei, HI |
Our trip in Maui is almost over and it's been a joy to see other people, other culture's symbols and acts of hospitality. It's encouraged me to want to be even more open to see how godly hospitality can be woven into the fabric of my Christian walk. I hope you've enjoyed these posts from Maui!
Mahalo Nui Loa, (Thank you from the heart)
Laura
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