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Occasions: Wedding, Graduation, Special Events, Honorary Events
Includes Flowers: Ti Leaf, White Orchid
Islands: Hawaii, South Pacific
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Maile Style Lei With White Orchid
This lei was created for shipment to the states because the maile leaf is banned from most places in the United States. In order to create the lei, the ti leaf was used to replace the restricted maile leaf.
The ti leaf is from a tall woody stalked plant with tightly clustered, green pointed, oval and blade shaped leaves. These leaves are about 4 inches wide and vary in length from 1 to 2 feet. The plant itself reaches heights of approximately 12 feet and is called Ki, a member from the lily family. Ki was an emblem of high rank and divine power and the leaves were used by the ancient priests in their religious ceremonial rituals as protection to ward off evil spirits and to call in good.
It also has medicinal and food uses and was the base for a potent liquor. At times it was used to make roof thatching, sandals, rain capes and of course, leis. This lei is made from several leaves and twined with white orchids. This lei is predominantly worn by men.
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