There are many wondrous things for which Hawaii is known such as the beautiful foliage colors, amazing white and black sand beaches, and great weather. The islands were formed from the lava of many volcanoes, some still active, which gives the exotic state a unique landscape. The multiple cultures of Polynesia have traditions and customs including luaus, parties used for gathering people for food and celebration, for which they are 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.
To be authentic, the feasts should be held in an outdoor space surrounded by lively foliage, colorful decor and room for everyone. The guests would be seated on the ground upon mats and be served traditional foods to be eaten without utensils. Attendees are welcomed with fragrant leis, traditional music is played, dancers perform and entertaining thrills are provided.
When hosting a party based on the traditions of this festive Hawaiian celebration, there are a few things that need to be represented. How truly representative one wants the gathering to be is going to depend on their level of dedication to authenticity. Substitutions can be made on many aspects to suit what is readily available in the designated area.
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.
One of the biggest challenges might be to provide authentic entertainment, though this is not an impossible feat as there are groups who specialize in this. Some things that usually go over well are musicians playing island drums and ukuleles, tropical birds, Elvis impersonators and especially hula girls in grass skirts. If the idea is to throw an extravaganza and the means are available, warrior dancers, flaming knife twirlers and fire poi spinners are always sure to thrill the crowd.
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.
To be authentic, the feasts should be held in an outdoor space surrounded by lively foliage, colorful decor and room for everyone. The guests would be seated on the ground upon mats and be served traditional foods to be eaten without utensils. Attendees are welcomed with fragrant leis, traditional music is played, dancers perform and entertaining thrills are provided.
When hosting a party based on the traditions of this festive Hawaiian celebration, there are a few things that need to be represented. How truly representative one wants the gathering to be is going to depend on their level of dedication to authenticity. Substitutions can be made on many aspects to suit what is readily available in the designated area.
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.
One of the biggest challenges might be to provide authentic entertainment, though this is not an impossible feat as there are groups who specialize in this. Some things that usually go over well are musicians playing island drums and ukuleles, tropical birds, Elvis impersonators and especially hula girls in grass skirts. If the idea is to throw an extravaganza and the means are available, warrior dancers, flaming knife twirlers and fire poi spinners are always sure to thrill the crowd.
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:
You can visit bigkahunaluau.com for more helpful information about Key Factors To Hosting Luaus.
No comments:
Post a Comment