WHAT IS THE MEANING OF TI LEAVES TO HAWAIIANS?
Posted by Maris on 26th Feb 2024
When I arrived at a university men's volleyball match on my most recent trip to Oahu, I was given a long, thin green leaf before being seated. I was informed that it was a "Ti Leaf" and that my purpose in using it was to support the team.
To be honest, I was a little surprised when I heard the word "tea" instead of "ti" because I thought there was no way you could (or would want to) dry and steep that leaf to make a warm beverage. However, because this didn't seem odd to anyone else, I bit my tongue and went to my seat. I had never seen anything like it, but it seemed like every person in the arena had at least one Ti Leaf in their possession that they had peeled to make a leaf that resembled a pom-pom that everyone shook at different times during the game.
You might wonder what these leaves are and why they show up at important sporting events.
Where do Ti Leaves come from?
You guessed it—a Ti Plant is the source of Ti leaves. The Polynesians, who believed these plants to have divine power, transported them to the Hawaiian islands first.
What do Hawaiians interpret Ti Leaves to mean?
Ti leaves are revered in traditional Hawaiian culture as sacred by Lono, the fertility god of Hawaii, and Laka, the goddess of hula. Priests from Kahuna also utilize the leaves to ward off evil and welcome good spirits.
Hawaiians still hold the belief that ti plants fend off evil and provide good luck today.
What uses do Ti Leaves have?
Drink and food (historical use)
The Ti Plant's root was traditionally cooked as a dessert or sweet in underground furnaces. Not infrequently, the root was fermented and distilled to create ökolehao, a kind of brandy. Additionally, the leaves are frequently used as platters or to wrap food.
Use as medicine (historical use)
Boiling the leaves releases a water that helps relax the muscles and nerves. The leaf was also utilized by the ancient Hawaiians as a hot pack by wrapping it around heated stones.
To protect against evil and promote prosperity
Wearing a necklace, hula skirt, or Ti Leaf lei is thought to fend off evil. It is said to bring good fortune to carry a single leaf or to support your favorite Hawaiian sports team. In addition, a lot of Hawaiians think that putting ti plants around their homes will attract good fortune. Additionally, you'll notice that a lot of the island's hotels have Ti plants planted on their property.
For introspection
Owing to the strong spiritual energy associated with ti leaves, some people utilize four leaves—a sacred number—to instill a sense of tranquility during meditation sessions.