Hawaii is known for many wondrous things such as stark white or black sand beaches, beautifully colored foliage and incredible weather. The amazing series of islands are formed from the hardened lava of multiple volcanoes, some of which remain active, giving this exotic locale an unique landscape. The people of Polynesia have many tantalizing customs and traditions with Luaus, the traditional parties for bringing people together, being among the most well known.
In the early days, Hawaiian servants, children and women dines on common foods away from the men who ate richly prepared meals. These religious taboos were abolished in 1819 when King Kamehameha II that everyone, regardless of sex or status, eat together as equals. Thus he began the glorious celebratory feasting traditions of the islands.
According to authentic standards, these feasts are typically conducted outdoors with plenty of room for all, surrounded by bright foliage and colorful decorations. Guests are seated on mats on the ground and traditional foods are served without utensils. Fragrant leis are distributed as a welcome to all in attendance, music is played, dances are performed and thrilling entertainment is provided.
There are several key factors that need to be included if one wants their party to be based on true Hawaiian celebratory traditions. How well this is achieved will depend on the host's dedications to remaining authentic. It is likely that there will be some necessary substitutions because not all items will be available in some areas.
One of the first things that come to mind when thinking of these parties are leis. Made from freshly cut blooms, ferns, kukui nuts or shells, these festive necklaces may also be purchased or constructed out of silk flowers, candy or even money. Greeting each guest by placing one around their neck sets a welcoming and festive mood and brings a bit of authenticity to the event.
Another central aspect to throwing an island themed party is the food choices. To be authentic, the meal would include things like pork that has been roasted in a traditional ground pit oven, poi, haupia, sea snails, squid and lomi-lomi salmon along with local fruits and beer. The issue is that most people without experience with these dishes are not likely to find them appetizing so substitutions like teriyaki, barbecue chicken, ribs, kebabs and salads with punch and Mai-tais to drink.
To be authentic, entertainment could be the most time consuming part though there are plenty of groups that provide this service. Some acts that are easy to obtain and sure to delight are tropical birds, Elvis impersonators, a musicians on ukuleles and tribal drums and, of course, grass skirted hula girls. If the money is available and one desires to really get impressive, hiring men who twirl flaming knives, those doing ancient warrior dances or spinners of fire poi are total musts.
Backyards with plenty of open space, park shelters or beach tents are great locations for these parties. If something more on the formal side is needed, one may consider booking a hotel conference room, or renting a boat or yacht for the occasion. To give the selected area a more festive and tropical ambiance, decorations like colorful streamers, parrots, coconuts, bamboo, rattan, potted hibiscus, palm trees and tiki torches can be very effective.
In the early days, Hawaiian servants, children and women dines on common foods away from the men who ate richly prepared meals. These religious taboos were abolished in 1819 when King Kamehameha II that everyone, regardless of sex or status, eat together as equals. Thus he began the glorious celebratory feasting traditions of the islands.
According to authentic standards, these feasts are typically conducted outdoors with plenty of room for all, surrounded by bright foliage and colorful decorations. Guests are seated on mats on the ground and traditional foods are served without utensils. Fragrant leis are distributed as a welcome to all in attendance, music is played, dances are performed and thrilling entertainment is provided.
There are several key factors that need to be included if one wants their party to be based on true Hawaiian celebratory traditions. How well this is achieved will depend on the host's dedications to remaining authentic. It is likely that there will be some necessary substitutions because not all items will be available in some areas.
One of the first things that come to mind when thinking of these parties are leis. Made from freshly cut blooms, ferns, kukui nuts or shells, these festive necklaces may also be purchased or constructed out of silk flowers, candy or even money. Greeting each guest by placing one around their neck sets a welcoming and festive mood and brings a bit of authenticity to the event.
Another central aspect to throwing an island themed party is the food choices. To be authentic, the meal would include things like pork that has been roasted in a traditional ground pit oven, poi, haupia, sea snails, squid and lomi-lomi salmon along with local fruits and beer. The issue is that most people without experience with these dishes are not likely to find them appetizing so substitutions like teriyaki, barbecue chicken, ribs, kebabs and salads with punch and Mai-tais to drink.
To be authentic, entertainment could be the most time consuming part though there are plenty of groups that provide this service. Some acts that are easy to obtain and sure to delight are tropical birds, Elvis impersonators, a musicians on ukuleles and tribal drums and, of course, grass skirted hula girls. If the money is available and one desires to really get impressive, hiring men who twirl flaming knives, those doing ancient warrior dances or spinners of fire poi are total musts.
Backyards with plenty of open space, park shelters or beach tents are great locations for these parties. If something more on the formal side is needed, one may consider booking a hotel conference room, or renting a boat or yacht for the occasion. To give the selected area a more festive and tropical ambiance, decorations like colorful streamers, parrots, coconuts, bamboo, rattan, potted hibiscus, palm trees and tiki torches can be very effective.
About the Author:
Luaus is a traditional Hawaiian dance and celebration. To know more about this big tradition of Hawaii visit the following website at http://bigkahunaluau.com.
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