The lehua is part of my sons namesake and I wanted to find a modern and creative way for us to incorporate this meaningful plant into our journey. Our newest print captures the entire process of ʻōhiʻa blooming from bud to seed pod. Woven into this pattern is the concept of hoʻomau: to perpetuate.
As a blossom dies after getting pollinated, new seed pods form and create an opportunity for new growth. Similarly, it is important for we as Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) to perpetuate our culture through the passing of knowledge, giving the younger generation roots to their past, with light and opportunity to guide them into a bold new future.
For us, the Holidays are going to be a celebration of culture and flipping the script - I’ve been referring to it as indigenizing the Holidays. So often the Holidays end up being a cliche of designs that don’t represent us. There’s rarely (I wont say theres no) snow or mistletoe so I felt it would be fun to celebrate the things that make us special vs. continuing to build on a generalized concept of this time of the year in western tradition.
May your wallpaper inspire you all throughout the season to be bold, vibrant, and to perpetuate or cultivate the holiday traditions that are meaningful to you. Please, feel free to download whichever wallpaper speaks to you. We have three options available*: ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, English, and a blank version.
By downloading, you acknowledge that this is for personal use only. Not to be altered, redistributed, sold, or produced. Copyright Kakou Collective 2021. (Weʻve seen this used as a story highlight and apple watch backgrounds too).
Click to download the wallpaper that suits you best:
Nowemapa 2021 Ke ola o ka lehua - ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
