Hawaiian flower leis are much more than just beautiful adornments; they are potent symbols of aloha, affection, celebration, and respect deeply woven into the culture of Hawaii. The act of giving and receiving a lei embodies the spirit of generosity and connection, carrying layers of meaning that go far beyond their fragrant beauty. From the specific flowers used to the way a lei is crafted and presented, every aspect contributes to its rich cultural significance.
The Essence of Aloha: More Than Just a Greeting
Aloha is a word that resonates deeply in Hawaiian culture, encompassing love, affection, peace, compassion, and a spirit of harmony. While it’s often used as a simple greeting or farewell, its true meaning is far more profound. The giving of a lei is a tangible expression of aloha, a way to share this positive energy and connect with another person on a deeper level. It’s an offering of friendship, respect, and goodwill.
Think of it as a hug, but in floral form! When you give someone a lei, you’re not just giving them something pretty to wear. You’re bestowing upon them a blessing, a sign of your care and positive intentions. This simple act reinforces the values of community and connection that are so central to Hawaiian life.
Flowers with Meaning: Decoding the Blossoms
The types of flowers used in a lei are not arbitrary; they often carry specific meanings and symbolism. While the specific interpretation can vary depending on the island, family traditions, and personal preferences, here are some common flower meanings:
- Plumeria (Melia): Perhaps the most iconic lei flower, plumeria symbolizes positivity, new beginnings, and celebration. Its sweet fragrance is instantly recognizable and evokes feelings of warmth and joy. Think of it as a welcome flower, perfect for greeting visitors or celebrating achievements.
- Orchid (Okika): Orchids represent love, beauty, and refinement. They are often used in leis for special occasions, such as weddings or graduations, to honor the recipient. Their delicate appearance speaks of elegance and grace.
- Tuberose (Kupaloke): Known for its intoxicating fragrance, tuberose symbolizes sensuality and passion. It’s often used in leis for romantic occasions. However, be mindful of its strong scent, as it can be overwhelming for some people.
- Pikake (Jasmine): A small, intensely fragrant flower, pikake symbolizes love, romance, and beauty. It was a favorite of Princess Ka’iulani, who gave it its Hawaiian name, meaning “peacock.” Consider a pikake lei for someone you deeply admire.
- Ilima: Historically associated with royalty, ilima flowers represent love, honor, and respect. These small, delicate orange or yellow flowers require a significant number to make a lei, making them a valuable and treasured gift.
- Ginger (Awapuhi): Ginger flowers come in various colors and symbolize diversity and resilience. Red ginger is particularly striking and adds a vibrant touch to any lei.
- Maile: While not technically a flower, maile is a fragrant green vine considered sacred. It symbolizes peace, reconciliation, and respect, and is often used in leis for graduations, weddings, and other important ceremonies. A maile lei is a symbol of honor and reverence.
Think about what you want to express when choosing flowers for a lei. A simple plumeria lei might be perfect for a casual greeting, while a more elaborate orchid and ilima lei could be appropriate for a special celebratory event, like a wedding.
The Art of Lei Making: A Labor of Love
Lei making is an art form passed down through generations. It requires patience, skill, and a deep respect for the materials being used. The process of gathering flowers, preparing them, and stringing them together is often a meditative and spiritual experience.
There are several common lei-making techniques:
- Kui: The most common method, kui involves stringing flowers together using a needle and thread. Different kui styles exist, such as the wili style, where flowers are layered and wrapped with fibers, and the hili style, which braids different materials together.
- Haku: This intricate technique involves attaching flowers and foliage to a backing, often made of raffia or other natural fibers. Haku leis are typically more durable and elaborate than kui leis. Haku lei are similar to flower crowns and often worn as headbands.
- Wili: This method consists of wrapping the stems of leaves or ferns to create an elaborate lei.
Making your own lei can be a rewarding experience. Local craft stores and farmers’ markets often sell lei-making supplies, including flowers, needles, and thread. You can also find online tutorials and classes that teach different lei-making techniques. The act of creating something beautiful and meaningful with your own hands adds another layer of significance to the gift.
For example, on Oahu, check out local farmers’ markets like the KCC Farmers’ Market (Saturdays at Kapiolani Community College) for fresh flowers and lei-making supplies. They also occasionally have lei-making demonstrations.
Cost: A simple lei-making kit with basic supplies can cost around $20-$30. More elaborate kits with premium flowers can range from $50-$100 or more.
Practical Example: Let’s say your friend is graduating from college. You could create a lei using maile (for respect and honor) and plumeria (for new beginnings) using the kui method. The effort and thoughtfulness you put into making the lei will make the gift even more special.
Lei Etiquette: Giving and Receiving with Grace
There are certain customs and etiquette surrounding the giving and receiving of leis. Following these guidelines demonstrates respect for the culture and traditions of Hawaii.
- Presenting a Lei: When giving a lei, present it with a smile and a warm greeting or hug (if appropriate). Drape the lei gently over the recipient’s head and shoulders. Avoid throwing the lei or placing it around the neck from behind.
- Receiving a Lei: Accept the lei graciously and with a smile. It’s considered impolite to refuse a lei. If you have allergies or sensitivities to certain flowers, politely explain the situation and express your appreciation for the thought behind the gift.
- Wearing a Lei: Wear the lei proudly and with respect. Avoid removing the lei in front of the person who gave it to you, as this can be seen as disrespectful. If you need to remove the lei, do so privately.
- Disposing of a Lei: When the lei begins to wilt, you can return it to nature by placing it on a beach, hanging it on a tree branch, or burying it in the ground. Disposing of the lei respectfully acknowledges the life it once represented. Traditionally, never throw a lei in the trash, but rather return it to the earth, where it came from.
- Lei for Pregnant Women and Those with Neck Injuries: Generally, it is not advisable to offer a closed lei draped around the neck of a woman who is pregnant. This is based on a traditional belief that the closed lei could symbolize the umbilical cord being wrapped around the baby’s neck at birth. The solution is to present an open-ended lei, such as a sash lei, or to offer a flower instead. Similarly, give consideration to people with neck injuries.
Practical Example: Imagine you’re attending a Hawaiian wedding. The bride and groom will likely be adorned with elaborate leis. As a guest, you might bring a smaller, simpler lei to present to them, along with your congratulations. Be sure to approach them with a warm smile and offer the lei with both hands as a sign of respect.
Leis for Different Occasions: Matching the Lei to the Event
The type of lei you choose can depend on the occasion you’re celebrating. Some leis are more appropriate for formal events, while others are better suited for casual gatherings.
- Graduations: Maile leis are frequently used for graduations to represent honor and achievement. They are often combined with other flowers, such as orchids or pikake.
- Weddings: Elaborate leis made with orchids, tuberose, and other fragrant flowers are common for weddings. White flowers are often preferred to symbolize purity and new beginnings. Many brides also wear a haku lei headpiece to add to the special occasion.
- Birthdays: Plumeria leis are a popular choice for birthdays, as they symbolize celebration and joy. You can also choose flowers that represent the birthday person’s personality or interests.
- Funerals: Maile leis are often used at funerals to express respect and condolences. They can be draped over the casket or presented to family members.
- Welcoming Visitors: A simple plumeria lei is a perfect way to welcome visitors to Hawaii and share the spirit of aloha.
Practical example: When attending a luau, a festive Hawaiian feast, a lei made with vibrant, colorful flowers like ginger or hibiscus would be appropriate. These flowers add to the celebratory atmosphere.
Beyond Flowers: Materials and Meanings
While flowers are the most common lei materials, other natural elements can also be used, each carrying its own significance. For example, leis can be made from:
- Shells: Shell leis represent protection and good fortune. They are often given as gifts to travelers for safe journeys.
- Seeds: Seed leis symbolize continuity and growth. They are often made from kukui nuts or other natural seeds.
- Feathers: Feather leis were traditionally reserved for royalty and represent power and prestige. They are rare and highly valued.
- Kukui Nuts: Kukui nuts, or small black seeds, symbolize enlightenment and protection.
- Seaweed: Sometimes, intricate leis are made with seaweeds that represent connection to the ocean and natural resources.
Practical Example: If you’re giving a lei to someone embarking on a long journey, a shell lei would be a thoughtful and symbolic choice, wishing them safe travels and protection along the way.
Preserving the Lei: Honoring the Memory
Because leis are made of natural materials, they will eventually begin to wilt. However, there are ways to preserve your lei and cherish the memories associated with it.
- Pressing: Individual flowers can be pressed between the pages of a heavy book to preserve their shape and color.
- Drying: Small leis can be air-dried by hanging them upside down in a cool, dry place. This method works best for sturdier flowers, like plumeria.
- Resin: You can encase small flowers or sections of a lei in resin to create a lasting memento.
- Photography: Even if you can’t physically preserve the lei, taking photos is a great way to capture its beauty and remember the occasion.
Practical example: After a special event like a graduation, you could carefully disassemble the lei and press some of the flowers to create a framed keepsake. This will allow you to enjoy the memory of the occasion for years to come.
Where to Buy Leis: Finding Authentic Hawaiian Crafts
When visiting Hawaii, you will find leis for sale everywhere, from airports to supermarkets. However, if you want to purchase an authentic Hawaiian lei made with fresh, high-quality flowers, consider shopping at:
- Lei Stands: Many small lei stands are located throughout the islands, often near airports or popular tourist destinations. These stands typically offer a wide selection of fresh leis at reasonable prices.
- Farmers’ Markets: Local farmers’ markets are a great place to find handmade leis and support local farmers and artisans.
- Flower Shops: Flower shops often offer custom lei-making services, allowing you to create a personalized lei for a special occasion.
- Online Retailers: Several online retailers specialize in Hawaiian leis and ship them fresh to your door. However, be sure to check reviews and ensure the retailer sources their flowers responsibly.
Cost: Simple plumeria leis can cost as little as $5-$10, while more elaborate leis made with orchids or other premium flowers can range from $50-$100 or more. Haku head leis are often similarly priced to more elaborate leis and could easily cost more than $100 due to the higher labor and skills needed to craft them.
Lei Day: Celebrating the Art of Lei Making
May 1st is celebrated as Lei Day in Hawaii, a day dedicated to honoring the art of lei making and the spirit of aloha. Festivities include lei-making competitions, lei exhibits, music, and hula performances. It’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture and appreciate the beauty and significance of the lei.
Visiting Oahu? Check out the Lei Day celebration at Kapiolani Park. There are usually lei-making contests, performances, and lots of beautiful leis on display.
Sustainable Lei Practices: Protecting the Environment
As with any industry, it’s important to be mindful of the environmental impact of lei production. Look for lei makers who use sustainable practices, such as sourcing flowers locally, using biodegradable materials, and minimizing waste. By supporting these businesses, you can help protect the environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and cultural significance of the lei.
For example, inquire where the flowers come from and ask if the lei maker uses organic or sustainably grown materials to ensure a more environmentally conscious purchase.
Leis as a Symbol of Hawaiian Identity
In the face of modernization and globalization, the lei remains a powerful symbol of Hawaiian identity and cultural preservation. It represents the values of aloha, community, and respect for the natural world that are so central to Hawaiian culture. By understanding and appreciating the meaning behind the lei, we can help to support the continuation of these traditions and honor the legacy of the Hawaiian people.
Wearing a lei, giving a lei, or making a lei is a way to show your support and participate in perpetuating Hawaiian traditions. In doing so, each action contributes to the preservation of Hawaiian values and customs by showing that they are appreciated and celebrated.
Dispelling Myths: Common Misconceptions About Leis
Like any cultural tradition, leis have been subject to some misconceptions and misinterpretations, especially when regarded from an outsider’s perspective. So, let’s debunk some common myths surrounding leis:
- Myth #1: Leis are only for tourists. While leis are certainly popular with visitors, they are an integral part of Hawaiian culture and are given and worn by locals for a variety of occasions.
- Myth #2: Any flower can be used in a lei. While creativity is welcome, certain flowers hold specific meanings and are more traditionally used than others. Also, some flowers are toxic or not suitable for prolonged contact with the skin.
- Myth #3: Throwing a lei away is always disrespectful. While it’s true that simply tossing a lei in the trash is frowned upon, returning it to nature (e.g., hanging it on a tree, placing it on the ocean, burying it) is a respectful way of honoring its life cycle.
- Myth #4: There’s only one way to make a lei. There are various lei-making styles and techniques (kui, haku, wili, etc.), each with its unique aesthetic and purpose.
Practical Example: If you hear someone say that leis are just for tourists, politely correct them by sharing some of the deeper cultural significance of the lei and its importance to Hawaiian traditions.
FAQ Section
What is the proper way to wear a lei?
A lei should be draped gently over the shoulders, hanging equally on the front and back of the body. It should be worn with respect and removed in private, if necessary.
Can I take a lei off when I get home?
It’s considered polite to wear the lei for as long as you are in the company of the person who gave it to you. Once you are home, you can remove it respectfully.
What do I do with a lei when it dies?
Return the lei to nature. You can place it on a beach, hang it on a tree branch, or bury it in the ground. Avoid throwing it in the trash.
Are there any flowers I should avoid using in a lei?
Some flowers are considered unlucky or inappropriate for certain occasions. For example, some people believe that using pua kenikeni flowers in a lei brings bad luck. Consulting a local lei maker can provide guidance on flower selection.
Can I ship leis to the mainland?
Yes, many companies ship leis to the mainland. However, be aware that the flowers are perishable, so choose a reputable company with expedited shipping.
References:
- Kanahele, George S. Ku Kanaka: Stand Tall. University of Hawai’i Press, 1986.
- Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Samuel H. Elbert. Hawaiian Dictionary. University of Hawai’i Press, 1986.
- Charlot, John. Dance, Music, and Ritual of the Ancient Hawaiians. Topgallant Publishing Co., 1985.
Ready to experience the aloha spirit firsthand? Next time you’re in Hawaii, take the time to learn about the lei, its history, and its significance. Attend a lei-making class, visit a local farmers’ market, or simply accept a lei with an open heart and a smile. By embracing this beautiful tradition, you can connect with the culture of Hawaii on a deeper level and create lasting memories.
