Hawaiian Lei

Lei is a Hawaiian word for a garland or wreath. The most popular concept of a lei in Western culture is a wreath of flowers draped around the neck presented upon arriving or leaving as a symbol of affection. This concept was popularized through tourism between the Islands of Hawaii and the continental United States in the 19th and 20th centuries.

More loosely defined, a Hawaiian Lei is any series of objects strung together with the intent to be worn. A lei (na lei is the plural in the Hawaiian language) may be composed of a pattern or series of just about anything, but most commonly consists of fresh natural foliage such as flowers, vines, or fern fronds. Among the flowers used are the plumeria, lehua blossom or the orchid, though maile leaves are extremely popular as well as traditional among hula dancers.

Other types of leis may include sea shells, feathers, plastic flowers, fabric, paper (including origami and monetary bills), candy, or anything that can be strung together in a series or pattern and worn as a wreath or a necklace.

The three different methods of making leis are: to string the material of the lei usually with a needle through the middle of the flower; to tie each flower individually by the stem; and, last but not least, to make three separate strings of flowers and then braid them together. The last one is reserved as a display of prominent affection or love.

In Polynesian cultures, a lei is something that is created by someone and given to another with the intent to decorate that person for an emotional reason—usually as a sign of affection. Common reasons include greeting, farewell, love, friendship, appreciation, congratulation, recognition, or to otherwise draw attention to the recipient.

Among residents of Hawaii, the most popular occasions at which leis can be found are birthdays and graduations. It is not uncommon for a high school or college graduate to be seen wearing so many leis that they reach his or her ears or higher.

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