May 1st may be widely known as May Day, or the day to celebrate the transition of Spring into Summer, but did you know that May Day is also Lei Day?
What is Lei Day?
Lei Day is a statewide celebration in Hawaii lasting from the morning of May 1 and continuing through the next day. According to Honolulu.gov, the first Lei Day was celebrated nearly 100 years ago on May 1, 1927 with a few people wearing lei (colorful necklaces often made with fresh flowers) in downtown Honolulu. Over time, more and more people began to wear lei on May 1, and so began the tradition of “May Day is Lei Day” in Hawaii. Today, Lei Day celebrates the spirit of aloha and is marked by local musical performances, traditional food, and of course, the wearing of the lei.
What are leis made from? The Hawaiian lei is often made from flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, or feathers. The flower lei is the most recognized type of lei and is typically constructed from plumerias, orchids, tuberose, ginger flowers, or ti leaves.
How are they constructed? There are many methods to make a lei, including the kui method, which includes sewing or piercing the decorative material with a needle and stringing it onto a thread or ribbon; the haku method where flowers and leaves are woven into a three-ply braid; and wili, where materials are twisted together, often with raffia.
What is the significance of the lei? The lei has come to represent love, friendship and celebration, but it can also hold very specific meaning depending the material used to make the lei. Orchids are often used to make purple, green, and white leis and are given as a thank you or as a welcome to a visitor. Maile ti leaf leis are made from the green ti leaf, and symbolize appreciation, admiration, and respect. Ti leaf leis are often used as gifts for graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and even memorials. Leis made with the ilima flower and carnations symbolize love. Kukui nuts, that are dried and polished symbolize royalty and can be given to a man or a woman as the intent is to show respect or appreciation.
How should leis be given? To give a lei, you can place it around your recipient’s neck or you can bow slightly and hold the lei out for them to take and place around their own necks. In some instances, leis are bestowed from one person to another with a light kiss on the cheek. Note, it can be considered disrespectful or impolite to refuse a lei, unless there are extenuating circumstances such as pregnancy or allergies.
Happy Lei Day everyone!
Jennifer
