Hawaiian Leis, Meaning and Uses.
A must for a tiki or tropical themed party.
The Leis have become a cultural symbol of the Hawaiian Islands.
When people think of Hawaii or Polynesia the first thing that
comes to mind besides aloha, is the beautiful fragrant flower leis.
Hawaiian's have been wearing flowers
as personal adornment for hundreds of years.
Lies of a more permanent type where made
from bone, stone, shell and feathers and were
mainly used for the ruling class.
The lie would also symbolize peace between
chiefs or tribes.
The lie of the everyday people was called the maile lei.
This lie was worn by all of the people. The maile lie
was also a symbol of the gods of hula.
The lie has been a hawaiian tourist item for over a
hundred years now as a sign of welcome.
Also, visitors leaving the island would throw their
lies into the ocean, a wish to return again someday.
The Hawaiians give lies on graduations and birthdays.
It is a common sight to see many young adults with
many many lies around their necks. It is also a sign of
affection, so do not refuse a lie if offered.
The flowers used in making leis are lehua blossoms, plumeria, and orchids, sometimes maile leaves are used, and remain mainly used as adornments for hula dancers.
The most common type of flower worn by visitors is the plumeria, which is found all over Hawaii.
May 1st is considered Lei Day in Hawaii. On that day, all people are encouraged to wear a lie. This tradition goes back to may 1st, 1928.
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