Learning to Make Ti Leaf Lei

By Léo Azambuja
In Hawaiian culture, the ti plant is believed to attract good spirits and ward off evil. A ti leaf lei symbolizes good luck, protection and blessings. Gifting someone a lei is considered a gesture of respect and an embodiment of the aloha spirit.
“Ti leaf plays a significant role in laʻau lapaʻau, in cooking, hula, in ceremonies and in celebrations,” said Pomaikaʻi Ah Mook Sang, who led a ti leaf lei workshop at Hoʻolehua Homestead Makeke Sept. 20.
A half-dozen people learned or got a refresher on how to make basic ti leaf lei in the introductory workshop sponsored by the Molokai Arts Center, in a partnership with the Hoʻolehua Homestead Makeke. …
















