Aloha Daughters of the Goddess,
On these approaching warm days and nights, remember to take the time to appreciate all the luscious flowers that are in bloom. Swim in their fragrance all the way to Lei Day and join us in learning more about Hawaii while making beautiful Haku leis.
Celebrate Lei Day & Laka
Hawaiian Goddess of the Forest & Hula
Monday, May 6th, 2019 11am|
Waxing Crescent Moon in Gemini, Sun in Taurus
Lafayette locale, directions given upon RSVP
Please note ritual time is 11am – 4:30pm
$30 per ritual/$15 first time visit
Laka is the Hawaiian Goddess of the Forest and Hula. She taught the Hawaiian people long ago to share their stories through mele (singing and chanting) and movement. Even today when a hālau is dancing, they make an altar for Laka. Each hula dancer must also adorn themselves prior to dancing so that they become part of the altar, and the dance becomes the prayer or tale. When entering the forest to collect the plants and flowers one must ask Laka for permission. When they are finished dancing, every plant that was on the altar is offered back to the ocean or deep stream as an honoring back to Her. She is a nature Goddess, so plants are very sacred to Her. Laka reminds us to gather and record our families and womyn’s herstories.
Leis are a symbol of Aloha and a circle of love that has no end. They are such an important part of the Hawaiian Spirit that in 1929 Lei Day became an official holiday in Hawaii. A lei po’o, a lei worn on your head, often referred to as a haku lei, is given or worn as a symbol to celebrate life, especially for birthdays, graduations or anniversaries. During our ritual we will be making haku leis together, while enjoying Hawaiian music and our creativeness with all of our sisters.
In keeping with the Spirit of celebration it is also the time that we get to celebrate the birthday of our Kahuna. There is a familiar Lei Day saying, “Make a lei, wear a lei, give a lei.” It’s the Hawaiian way of life.
For this ritual please bring two bunches of flowers for our Haku Lei making. Wear your Hawaiian clothes, pareos, something flowery. Bring your Hawaiian word if you have one from a previous ritual. For the altar please bring a candle in a glass novena, that is any color of the rainbow, and any symbols or pictures of Laka. Please bring Hawaiian food for our Luau!
Please see our participation page for more information on attending our ceremonies.
