What’s in a name? Itla-okla, ʻ Umiʻ umi-o-Dole, Spanish Moss

Feature image from Jekyll Island State Park

What’s in a name? Well, in Hawaiian culture a LOT! Names are evocative of the history, heritage, and cultural place in which the named thing exists. This is especially important in lei materials. The kaona, the veiled meaning hidden in the name, is as important in crafting a lei as is the appearance of the material.

The popular lei material (and ornamental garden plant) Tillandsia usenoides, was introduced to Hawaii in the 19th Century. Its Hawaiian name, umiʻ umi-o-Dole [OOH-mee OOH-mee oh DOH-leh] (Dole’s Beard), came from its resemblance to the beard of Sanford B. Dole, a well-known politician of the day.

Sanford Ballard Dole (1844–1926) was a lawyer and jurist in the Hawaiian Islands. He was involved in the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy, led the occupying government from 1893 to 1903, and then became a US federal judge. Image Wikipedia

ʻDue to the ease with which it can be grown, crafted into lei, and its beautiful silver-grey sheen, umiʻ umi-o-Dole soon became a popular material for lei making. This same silvery grey color was sought when hinahina-kū-kahakai, the native beach heliotrope, became more difficult to access due to shoreline development. Thus ʻ umiʻ umi-o-Dole came into use as a substitute. Real hinahina is a heliotrope, not a bromiliad

Of course, any time something is popular, there will be those who capitalize on it. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries some people began calling ʻ Umiʻ umi-o-Dole “Pele’s hair” in order to sell more. Some even went so far as to claim that it is a Hawaiian plant and a traditional offering to Pele. It is not. Pele’s hair is the spun volcanic glass threads from our volcanoes. The American bromeliad has become a traditional material for lei making, but it is not a traditional Hawaiian plant.

Pele’s hair / Lauoho-o-Pele (NPS Photo)

Just as we Hawaiians wish for our inoa to be treated with respect, it is important that we do the same for the names from other cultures. Itla-okla is one of names used by the indigenous people where Tillandsia usneoides is endemic. I suggest that we start using this as the common name.

ʻ Umiʻ umi-o-Dole, while a traditional Hawaiian name for this plant, hearkens to the name of a person who helped overthrow our Hawaiian government.

“Spanish moss” is innaccurate, the bromiliad is neither Spanish nor a moss, and has its heritage in a derogatory name the French gave to the Spanish.

Hinahina” is confusing as it refers to several endemic plants.

Pele’s hair” is a misnomer and applied to this introduced plant is disrespectful to Hawaiian culture.

Itla-Okla” reminds us of the heritage of this plant which is culturally important to the indigenous peoples of its home range. For them it provided padding, weaving materials, medicine, and other uses. There is a Cajun legend of this plant.

Planning to come to the Hilo Lei Day Festival?

The Wave 92FM
The Wave 92FM

Listen to The Wave 92FM as you drive through Hilo, and then park in the spacious Moʻoheau parking lot.

From 11:00 to Noon each Tuesday, the Moʻoheau Bandstand fills with Hawaiian music and hula, and on Lei Day will feature Leinaʻala Lassiter.

Enjoy a stroll through Downtown Hilo, and plan your shopping and lunch as you head for Kalākaua Park (The festival opens at 9:00am).

Take note of the historic Palace Theater, which will be screening historic film clips of Hilo and lei making.

At the festival, enjoy Hawaiian music and hula – you can even try a little hula, yourself! Make a lei. Experience lomilomi – traditional Hawaiian massage. Learn about the Native plants of Hawaiʻi and how they are used as medicine. Shop for fine hand-crafted locally made gifts.

Enjoy a relaxing day at Hilo’s hidden gem of a festival this Lei Day – Tuesday, May 1.

Kalākaua Street will be closed from 3am to 5pm on Tuesday, May 1.

Lei Day Parking Map
Hilo Lei Day Festival Parking map – We recommend parking in the ma kai lot by Moʻoheau Park and Bus Terminal. Check out the many shops and places to eat on your way to Kalākaua Park. All of Downtown Hilo is smaller than many malls, so the walking is easy! The Palace Theater will be showing short movie clips about our history and culture of the lei – stop in! Hula at the Moʻoheau Bandstand from 11:00 am – Noon. So much to do in Hilo on Lei Day! Kalākaua Street between Keawe and Kinoʻole will be closed from 3:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, May 1. Handicap parking will be available within the closed area. Just show your placard, and you will be directed to the reserved area. 

Word of the Day: Pāpale

Your pāpale [paah-pah-leh] is your hat. A lei pāpale is a lei you wear on your hat. It might be a lei haku, a lei wili, a lei humu papa, or any other style. But if it is on your hat, it also is a lei pāpale!

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Word of the Day: Maluō

Word of the Day: MALUŌ – The careful use of natural resources to prevent depletion. A new word, it combines malu (quiet, safe, protected) and ō (thrive). Helu wawe maluō: Conservation hotline.

The Hilo Lei Day Festival strives to promote maluō as part of its kuleana and educational objectives.

Like and follow our page for updates on classes, workshops, and events, and support us by purchasing “Hua ʻŌlelo Lei – A Lei Maker’s Dictionary.”

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Word of the Day – Ihi

Lei maile
The lei maile is much cherished for its sweet anise-like fragrance.

ihi – To peel or strip bark or fruit, as when stripping bark for lei maile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more lei-making terms with Hua ʻŌlelo Lei, a Lei Maker’s Glossary, available for only 99 cents on Amazon.