What does the Lehua flower symbolize?

What does the Lehua flower symbolize?

Ohia lehua flowers (Metrosideros polymorpha) are often viewed as symbolic of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes. This is because these flowers were some of the first to begin growing on lava flows after an eruption. There is a legend related to Pele.

What was Ohia used for?

As such, the abundant plant had many uses for early Hawaiians: Ohia’s sturdy wood was used to create weapons, kapa cloth beaters, boards for pounding poi, enclosures and statues; its leaves were used as a medicinal tea; and its flowers and its seeds fed native birds like the apapane and the now-extinct mamo, whose …

What is Ohia wood?

Ohia (pronounced Oh-he-a) is a dense, native Hawaiian wood with beautiful, warm, color variation. These trees are celebrated in chant, song, dance, ceremony, and more by the Hawaiian people.

What does Lehua mean in Hawaiian?

lehua Swift, expert, strong.

Why is ohia lehua important?

A Lifeline for Native Birds It is also one the first plants to colonize new lava flows. It is also one of the most important trees for native Hawaiian birds such as ‘Apapane and ‘Akohekohe, which get their food from nectar-producing flowers. Dozens of extinct species would have fed frequently on ‘ohi’a, too.

Is OHIA rot resistant?

Rot Resistance: Rated as non-durable to perishable; good insect resistance. Workability: Generally difficult to work on account of its high density and interlocked grain. Ohia also has a rather large movement in service, as evidenced by its high shrinkage values.

What does Lewa mean in Hawaiian?

Lewa (lē’-wă), adj. Swinging; pendulous; floating; unstable; homeless.

What does a plumeria flower stand for?

The plumeria flower represents birth and love; spring and new beginnings. It’s an extremely positive and hopeful symbol, so it’s no surprise that it’s extremely popular and adored. In Hawaiian culture, the plumeria can be used to symbolize a woman’s romantic status when worn in the hair. But it’s not a native flower.

What is the legend of the ohia tree?

There is an interesting Hawaiian legend tied to the Ohia tree and its flower, the Lehua blossom. The legend is tied to the volcano goddess, Pele. This story explains that if you pluck this flower, it will rain on the same day (for a tragic reason). Red Lehua blossom of the Ohia tree in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

What is the story of the ohia lehua flower?

Ohia Lehua, and the jealousy of Pele. There is an interesting Hawaiian legend tied to the Ohia tree and its flower, the Lehua blossom. The legend is tied to the volcano goddess, Pele. This story explains that if you pluck this flower, it will rain on the same day (for a tragic reason).

Where can you find the ohia tree in Hawaii?

That’s the ohia tree. It’s native to Hawaii and can be found on all the islands. I like to think of this tree as being the little train that could of the tree family. The reason being is it is one of the first trees to grow in lava.

Which is the official flower of Hawaii Island?

Beautiful red flowers grace the Ohia Lehua tree, which Hawaii Island residents know as the official flower of the island. The resilient tree can thrive in the poor soil of a new lava field.