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Memorial Day in Hawaii - Floating Lantern Festival in Honolulu

 What’s your plan for Memorial Day? Attend a parade, picnic, and yard BBQ, or just relax with friends and family on the beach?


 As many people know about Pearl Harbor and The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located at Punchbowl Crater in Honolulu, the Island of Oahu has a very rich military history. We have the US Army Band, Parade, Ceremony at Pearl Harbor, and Punchbowl Cemetery, but...


 If you are in Hawaii for vacation over the Memorial Day weekend, you should absolutely check The Annual Floating Lantern Ceremony at Ala Moana Beach Park! The view of thousands of lanterns floating into the Pacific at sunset attracts both visitors and residents and creates an atmosphere of peace and harmony that you won’t soon forget.


*Please Note: In consideration of the health and safety of the community during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no gathering in person at Ala Moana Beach on Memorial Day, May 31, 2021. However, it will be held in virtual and in-person activities. (Subject to change)


The annual Floating Lantern Ceremony

 More than 40,000 participants gather each year at Ala Moana Beach Park in Oahu before sunset to send off over 7,000 floating lanterns. People make special floating lanterns by hand and inscribe with prayers and personal messages upon the special paper that is affixed to each.


 This Hawaiian Lantern Floating Festival is mirrored after the Traditional Japanese Floating Lantern Festival -Toro Nagashi, which takes place in late summer since there are many immigrants from Japan. Oftentimes, the Japanese Toro Nagashi festival will coincide with a Buddhist Festival to honor departed family members named Obon, and it usually lasts for three days.


 However, this ceremony in Oahu has a Hawaiian cultural twist! The ceremony starts with the sound of blowing Pu; conch shell and playing of Taiko; the Japanese Traditional drums followed by the Hawaiian chant Oli to purify or bless the land. After the beautifully sophisticated ceremony of remembrance, hand-crafted lanterns will be launched to the ocean. It would be a beautiful experience where people float lanterns at sunset with messages for loved ones who they have lost.


In addition to your plan, you can make something to celebrate Memorial Day weekend and commemorate this day!!

Here are some Fabric ideas for Memorial Day!

  • American Patriot Flag and Star Print - These Fabrics could be also used for the upcoming 4th of July!!!

  • Hawaiian Flower Lei Print / Maile Lei Print - Hawaiian Flower Lei is a symbol of Love and Respect. The Hawaiian lei is a deeply meaningful flower gift for Memorial Day. And Maile Lei is a symbol of Respect, Peace, Friendship, and Love.

  • In Hawaiian culture, other flowers, plants, and some animals also have meaning. You can absolutely choose other designers, as well!


Open New Online Store: ​MUUMUU OUTLET

On the new website, it is more options to sort out fabrics, such as by prints, colors, materials, etc. We sell more finished products as well!


We have all kinds of Hawaiian Fabrics and Other Varieties of Fabrics. Check Fabrics on MuumuuOutlet!

 

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