Lauhala Mat

Lauhala mats are made from the Hala Tree(Pandanus odoratissimus) . The Hala tree was very important to the Polynesians Since it is Indigenous to the Polynesian Islands. Its leaves were to make Mats, for Roofing materials, Hats. The Fruit was used to make paint brushes, leis and food. Even the Roots were Used for calabashes, tubes or pipes. And there are many other uses for the Hala Tree

Lauhala mats have a great deal of importance in Polynesian Cultures.

In the olden days Obviously the hawaiians did not have tiled flooring so instead what covered their floor with was Lauhala mats, since they spent most of their time sitting on the floor to entertain and such. Royal women also carried Woven Lauhala Fans. The Hawaiians had a Hale Ulana which means Weaving House where the woman of the village would make Baskets, fans, mats and other items out of dried Hala Leaves (Pandanus leaves).

In Samoan Culture they use the lauhala mat for MANY occasions Including Weddings.Like the American tradition Samoans brides family will host the reception. The lauhala mat is often given as gifts to:

• High Chiefs of the Village
• Important Extended Family Members
• Any High Ranked Guests Attending
• Staff and The Principle of Local School
• The Parents of the Groom
• Priests, Ministers, etc.
• Other Chiefs if in Attendance

All of the Mats made for the ceremony are made by the Brides and sometimes grooms Family.

 So now the big question Why am i doing a HUB on lauhala mats? Well besides the fact that the mats play a big part in my culture, I love the mats I own one myself I have grown up sitting on Lauhala mats at family events and Gatherings and I'm just rather fond of them I suppose! Not to mention Lauhala Mats are Eco-Friendly! What could be better than that?