Build A Lei For A Luau Costume Party

Luaus are an almost two- hundred-year-old Hawaiian custom. The luau originated in 1819 when King Kamehameha II eliminated the religious taboo that forbade men and women to eat together. To celebrate the abolition of this and other religious taboos, the king held a feast where he ate with women. The first luau was a lavish event with chicken, pork, fruit and other delicacies.

Luau is actually the name of a popular chicken dish served at these feasts. Chicken and tender taro leaves are baked in coconut milk. Other favorite dishes at luaus include roasted pork, sweet potato dishes, and pineapple.

Today, the luau is a fun theme to recreate at costume parties. If weather and space permit, a luau party is great fun held outdoors. However, you can also do a luau theme for an indoor party.

Both the food and the decorations are a part of the luau atmosphere. Traditional luaus were eaten with the hands while sitting on the floor around grass mats. A lovely flower centerpiece covered the center of the mat and guests were greeted with flower leis.

The lei is a symbol of love and of respect and healing. It represents the circle of family and love. Traditional leis were made out of shells, bones, and feathers, or out of flowers and leaves. These make a great low-key costume for Halloween or fancy dress party.

You can make leis to give your guests at a luau party. Leis can be made with natural or silk flowers. If you have access to a flower garden, making a natural flower lei is an easy option.

Materials:

• 50 or so medium-sized flowers (carnations, daises, roses, and so on) for each lei


• Cotton string (100" for each lei)


• Long beading or darning needle—it should be sharp enough to easily pierce the flowers. In Hawaii a special 12" to 18" needle is used.

Cut a 100" piece of string and double it. Tie a knot at the end, leaving a long tail to join the completed lei. Thread the needle with this double string.

Push the needle through the center face of each flower. Gently slide the flowers down to the string knot. Don't force them. Continue until you have approximately a 40" lei. Tie together using the tail hanging from knot. You would use this same procedure when making silk flower leis.

You may want to add a ribbon to your lei, but this is not necessary.

In addition to leis, you may want to present each guest at the luau with a large blossom to wear in their hair. A flower worn over the right ear means you are unattached romantically, while a flower over the left ear means that your heart is taken.

Complete your luau costume with a simple Hawaiian shirt or go all-out silly with a grass skirt and coconut bra.

You can complete your party decor with fresh or silk flower arrangements on the tables. Old travel posters are another idea. Hawaiian print tablecloths look great. Play Hawaiian music, serve cocktails, and light tiki torches.

If possible serve authentic Hawaiian dishes for your meal. Wonderful recipes are available at The Hawaiian Luau http://www.hawaii-luaus.com/recipes.htm.

A luau theme party is great fun and surprisingly easy to do. The important thing is to relax and enjoy planning and throwing your theme party, no matter what theme you chose.