It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and the City and County of Honolulu is hosting its 36th Annual Holiday Wreath Contest. Wreaths are displayed from December 2 to December 29. The contest theme for 2023 is “We Are Hawaii.”
This year, COSHI volunteer Chanara Richmond crafted and submitted an entry that not only embodies this year's theme, but also promotes Convention of States.
The wreath is titled “UNITY” and reflects Chanara’s deep personal desire and longing for the State of Hawai’i to be more independent and self-governing. She hopes this wreath will awaken curiosity and plant seeds.
In the spirit of Hawaiian tradition, everything used to create this display was specifically chosen for its symbolic meaning.
The two “ornaments” are the Convention of States button, trimmed with red beads; and the Hawaii State Flag badge, trimmed with shells and beads. In Hawaiian culture, shells represent resilience, determination and protection against evil. These ornaments were symmetrically placed around the wreath to convey a feeling of balance, harmony and UNITY.
The candy cane garland wrapped between each ornament was made with Kukui nuts, the Hawaiian symbol of learning, education and good luck. The word kukui means light or torch. The red glass beads look like cranberries, which symbolize abundance and gratitude.
This garland is attached to the wreath with bows made from raffia grass, which represents strength, longevity and flexibility. The word raffia means one who is positioned high.
The flower bouquet in the cradle of the wreath is also brimming with meaning. Hibiscus flowers represent beauty & joy. Bird of paradise flowers bring freedom and loyalty. Gardenia gives us purity, spiritual connection and positive energy. Peony radiates prosperity, good fortune, happy union and honor. Plumeria represents birth and new beginnings. And the Baby’s Breath flowers sprinkle purity, hope and new beginnings into the mix.
Suspended from the top of the wreath is a rectangular metal plate that was painted to look like wet sand sparkling in the sun. The back edge has been trimmed in maile leaves, which convey respect, peace, friendship and love. The border and words “ARTICLE V” were written using the same shells that are on the Hawaiian flag ornaments.
Suspended from this sign is the Constitution of the United States, clipped open to Article V, which is highlighted, and which includes a small card that states the three priorities of our resolution: term limits, fiscal responsibility and government overreach.
Finally, the entire wreath is draped in a Maile lei, enfolding all of that energy in the radiance of respect, peace, friendship and aloha.
Please come and check it out. The decorations at Honolulu Hale are always amazing. Merry Christmas everyone!
