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History of Hawaiian Leis

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History of Hawaiian Leis

Lei is Hawaiian for garland or wreath, objects strung together for placement around the neck. The lei has become the most popular and enduring symbol of Hawaii.

  1. Symbolism

    • Leis are used for every aspect of life: weddings, graduations, funerals, birthdays and any other event. The wearing of leis is meant to symbolize good will granted to the wearer.

    Early Leis

    • Polynesian traders are credited with introducing the concept of leis to Hawaii. In the earliest times, leis made of hair, bone, seeds, ivory, feathers and shells were common.

    Popularity

    • However, the flower wreath is by far the most popular version of the lei. This was greatly popularized in the 19th and 20th centuries, when Hawaiians handed them out to visitors from the continental United States arriving and leaving as a gesture of affection.

    Lei Day

    • Every May 1, Hawaii holds "Lei Day," a time in which each and every person in the Hawaiian capital, Honolulu, wears a lei and enjoys a festival of food and music. It was an idea that the American poet Don Blanding (1894 to 1947) conceived in 1928.

    Lei or Leis?

    • Although "lei" can function as a plural as well as a singular form since the Hawaiian language makes no such distinction, the word "leis" is used as an Anglicized plural form to prevent confusion.

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References

  • Photo Credit Majipineapple/flickr.com

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