Party In The Hawaiian Luau Way

By Antoinette Quinn


There are occasions throughout every year that are cause for celebration. Different types of events are associated with different types of festivities but at times it's good to something a bit out of the ordinary in order to make things a bit more memorable for yourself and your guests. Some turn to themes with decoration, outfits and entertainment to fit the motif. Any theme that one can imagine is possible, but one relatively easy and always fun idea is to hold a Hawaiian luau.

Most people are at least somewhat familiar with the idea of this type of a party. Hawaiian shirts, ukulele music, hula dancing and leis (flower necklaces) generally come to mind in addition to warm weather, good food and drinks. It's a popular affair currently as well as a tradition that was brought about quite some time ago.

As the story goes, the first luau was held in 1819 in Hawaii. Before that time, it was forbidden for men and women to eat together and there were certain types of foods that common people were not allowed to eat. However, in this year, King Kamehameha II decided that it was time to put an end to these restrictions and he dined with commoners and women and the luau was born.

The name of this method of celebrating comes from a dish that was one of the favorites in the early days of luaus. It is made by baking chicken combined with taro plant leaves in coconut milk. Along with the other foods being served, it would be eaten on simple mats that were placed on the floor. These parties could be huge at times with some of them including one thousand or more people.

The Hawaiian style of celebration later spread to the mainland United States and beyond. When tourism increased in the 1930's, more and more people came to know about these islands and their ways. Movies and TV also played a large role in this process. It didn't take long for people to grow fond of Hawaiian styles and it has continued to be this way until today.

For those with enough time and money, a trip to this island state for an authentic luau experience might be very enticing. However, one does not need to traverse the Pacific Ocean. It's simple enough to throw your own luau wherever you are and be able to have your friends and family share in the experience as well.

A few things to consider for the party would be food, atmosphere and entertainment. Standard fare for such a festivity might include poi, salmon, tropical fruits and mai tai drinks. Recipes for all of these and other foods can be found in abundance online. To set an appropriate atmosphere, Hawaiian-themed decorations can be used and each guest can be given a lei upon arrival. As for entertainment, having a variety of appropriate music and even some hula dancing would be perfect.

If you're looking for a way to add some flair to your next celebration, a Hawaiian luau might be a good way to go. Not too many people wouldn't like good music, food and a fun, tropical atmosphere.




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