The Hawaiian lei is far more than just a pretty garland of flowers; it’s a profound symbol deeply woven into the culture of Hawaii. Each flower, color, and threading technique carries its own nuanced meaning, conveying everything from love and respect to farewells and celebrations. Understanding the language of the lei offers a glimpse into the heart of Hawaiian aloha and allows you to appreciate its significance beyond its aesthetic appeal.
Aloha Embodied: The Significance of Lei in Hawaiian Culture
The lei is a tangible representation of aloha, the spirit of love, compassion, and goodwill. It’s an integral part of Hawaiian hospitality, often bestowed upon visitors as a welcoming gesture. Receiving a lei is considered an honor and should be accepted with gratitude. Think of it as a physical manifestation of “Aloha Spirit,” which goes way beyond the standard definition and permeates the core of Hawaiian values. In historical documents, you’ll find aloha used in legal and royal contexts, emphasizing its importance beyond mere friendliness.
Deconstructing the Floral Messages: What the Flowers Say
The specific flowers used in a lei aren’t chosen at random; they’re carefully selected to convey a particular message. Here’s a breakdown of some common flowers and their meanings:
- Plumeria: Perhaps the most recognizable lei flower, plumeria represents positivity, charm, and grace. It signifies new beginnings and is often given to welcome visitors or celebrate special occasions. Plumeria’s sweet fragrance is also associated with romance and love.
- Orchid: Orchids symbolize beauty, refinement, love, and luxury. As a lei flower, they communicate respect and admiration, making them a fitting gift for someone you hold in high esteem.
- Pikake (Jasmine): Pikake, known for its intense, sweet fragrance, signifies love, romance, and sensuality. It was reportedly a favorite of Princess Ka’iulani, who named it after her favorite pet peacock. Giving a pikake lei is a powerful expression of affection.
- ‘Ilima: This delicate, small flower comes in various colors, each carrying its own meaning. Yellow ‘ilima is associated with royalty. Due to the sheer number of flowers required to make a single lei (hundreds, even thousands!), ‘ilima lei were historically reserved for aliʻi (chiefs/royalty). They symbolize respect, rank, and honor.
- Tuberose: Tuberose flowers are intensely fragrant and symbolize dangerous love, due to their intoxicating scent that leads to drowsiness. Its strong fragrance makes the lei very durable and longlasting
- Ginger: Different varieties of ginger, such as Awapuhi, also symbolise luxury because they can be used for shampoo and body lotions.
Beyond individual flower meanings, the combination of flowers can create a complex and nuanced message. A lei of pikake and plumeria might express both romantic love and a welcoming spirit. Understanding these floral implications allows you to choose a lei that accurately reflects your intentions.
The Art of Lei Making: Techniques and Materials
Lei making is an art form passed down through generations. Several techniques are commonly used, each creating a unique visual effect:
- Kui (Sewn): This method involves stringing flowers together using a needle and thread. It’s commonly used for delicate flowers like plumeria and pikake, preserving their beauty and fragrance.
- Haku (Braided): In this technique, flowers and foliage are attached to a braided backing of raffia or other natural fibers. Haku lei are often more elaborate and can incorporate a wider variety of materials. This is the most commonly seen technique for head lei, or lei po’o.
- Wili (Wrapped): Wili lei is made by wrapping flowers and foliage around a base material, such as ti leaves. This method creates a dense and textured lei.
- Hili (Braided): Hili lei are constructed using a braiding technique, typically incorporating strands of flowers, seeds, or feathers. These lei can be simple and elegant, or incredibly intricate and ornate.
The choice of materials also influences the meaning and aesthetic of the lei. In addition to flowers, lei can incorporate leaves, seeds, shells, feathers, and even nuts. Traditionally, natural and locally sourced materials were favored. Today, while artificial lei made from synthetic materials are readily available, they lack the cultural significance and natural beauty of authentic handmade lei.
Color Considerations: The Language Beyond the Flowers
Just as flowers carry symbolic weight, so do colors. While color symbolism can vary depending on the specific context and the individual giving the lei, here are some general associations:
- Red: Often associated with love, passion, and energy. It can also symbolize strength and courage.
- Yellow: Represents friendship, happiness, and joy. It’s often used in welcoming lei and signifies a warm and positive connection.
- White: Symbolizes purity, peace, and reverence. It’s often used in leis for religious ceremonies or to honor the deceased.
- Green: Represents health, prosperity, and growth. It’s often associated with nature and the abundance of the islands.
- Purple: Can symbolize royalty, spirituality, and dignity. Lighter purples and lavenders are more often tied to femininity and daintiness.
Combining color symbolism with flower meanings allows for even more nuanced expressions. For example, a red rose lei would express passionate love, while a yellow plumeria lei would convey a welcoming and joyful friendship.
Lei Etiquette: Respectful Giving and Receiving
Proper lei etiquette is essential to honoring the cultural significance of the gift. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Accept with Gratitude: Always accept a lei with a smile and a gracious “mahalo” (thank you). Avoid refusing a lei, as this can be seen as disrespectful.
- Wear it Properly: Place the lei gently over your head and let it hang down your chest and back. Avoid wearing it around your neck like a necklace.
- Treat it with Respect: Don’t throw the lei away carelessly. When you’re finished wearing it, return it to the earth by hanging it on a tree, burying it, or returning it to the ocean.
- Lei Pregnancy: It’s considered disrespectful to give a closed lei to a pregnant woman(one that goes all the way around). An open lei is presented instead.
- Kissing with Lei: When receiving a lei, it is customary to offer a kiss on the cheek. The giver will usually initiate this.
Traditionally, lei were not given to oneself, but rather bestowed upon by others. Today, it’s generally acceptable to purchase a lei for yourself, but be mindful of the original intention of giving as a form of honoring.
Finding Authentic Lei: Where to Buy and What to Expect
If you’re looking for authentic, handmade lei, avoid tourist traps and opt for local flower shops, farmers’ markets, or lei stands. Ask questions about the flowers used and the lei-making process. You can also consider supporting local artisans who create lei from sustainable and ethically sourced materials.
Here are a few recommendations, keeping in mind that availability can vary:
- Cindy’s Lei Shoppe (Honolulu, Oahu): A long-standing establishment known for its fresh, fragrant lei. Prices range from around $10 for a simple plumeria lei to $50 or more for elaborate orchid or tuberose lei. Expect to pay higher prices around graduation season (May-June). Find them at 1034 Maunakea St, Honolulu, HI 96817.
- Maunakea Marketplace (Honolulu, Oahu): A marketplace with numerous lei vendors offering a variety of styles and prices. Great for comparing options and supporting local businesses. Located at 1120 Maunakea Street, Honolulu, HI 96817
- Local Farmers Markets: Check local farmers markets on any Hawaiian island for homemade, beautiful lei.
The cost of a lei can vary depending on the flowers used, the complexity of the design, and the vendor. Simple plumeria lei are typically the most affordable, while elaborate lei made with rare or imported flowers can be quite expensive. Be prepared to pay more during peak tourist seasons and holidays.
Making Your Own Lei: A Hands-On Cultural Experience
Learning to make your own lei is a rewarding way to connect with Hawaiian culture. Many hotels and cultural centers offer lei-making workshops, or you can learn from online tutorials. Gathering your own flowers and foliage adds an extra layer of meaning to the experience.
If you want to try making your own lei from scratch, here’s a simplified Kui (sewn) method using plumeria:
- Gather Materials: Fresh plumeria flowers, a sturdy needle (a long embroidery needle works well), strong thread (waxed dental floss is a good option), and scissors.
- Prepare the Flowers: Gently remove the stems from the plumeria flowers, being careful not to damage the petals.
- Thread the Needle: Thread the needle with a long piece of thread and tie a knot at the end.
- String the Flowers: Pierce the center of each flower with the needle, stringing them onto the thread. Pack the flowers closely together to create a full lei.
- Tie it Off: Once you’ve strung enough flowers to create the desired length, tie the ends of the thread together securely. Trim any excess thread.
- Enjoy Your Lei: Your handmade plumeria lei is now ready to wear or give as a gift!
Beyond the Flowers: Other Types of Lei
While flower lei are the most common type, lei can also be made from other materials, each carrying its own significance:
- Lei Hulu (Feather Lei): Feather lei were traditionally crafted for royalty and were a symbol of status and prestige. They can be incredibly intricate and take months or even years to complete.
- Lei Pūpū (Shell Lei): Shell lei are made from various types of shells, often collected from the beaches of Hawaii. They represent a connection to the ocean and the natural world.
- Lei Kukui (Kukui Nut Lei): Kukui nuts are strung together to create a shiny, dark lei. They symbolize enlightenment, protection, and peace. In ancient Hawaii, Kukui nuts were burned to provide light.
- Lei Maile (Maile Lei): Maile is a fragrant vine. Maile lei are often used for important occasions or ceremonies (weddings or graduations) and symbolize peace, friendship, and respect. Maile is usually adorned with various flowers.
Each of these lei types tells a story and reflects the diverse resources and traditions of the Hawaiian Islands.
Contemporary Lei: Evolving Traditions
While lei traditions are deeply rooted in the past, they continue to evolve in contemporary Hawaii. Modern lei makers are experimenting with new materials, designs, and techniques, while still honoring the cultural significance of the lei. You might see lei incorporating recycled materials, unconventional flowers, or even edible ingredients. These contemporary lei represent a vibrant and dynamic culture that is both respectful of its heritage and open to innovation.
Lei as a Symbol of Remembrance
In addition to celebrations and welcomes, lei also play an important part in mourning rituals. Lei are often placed on gravesites or scattered at sea in remembrance of loved ones. White flowers are commonly used in these lei, symbolizing peace and reverence.
Some families also create special memorial lei using flowers or materials that were significant to the deceased. These lei serve as a tangible expression of love and remembrance.
Responsible Tourism and Lei: Making Sustainable Choices
As a visitor to Hawaii, it’s important to be mindful of the environmental impact of your lei purchases. Choose lei made from locally grown flowers and natural materials. Avoid purchasing lei made from endangered species or materials that have been harvested unsustainably.
Support local lei makers who are committed to sustainable practices. You can ask vendors about the origin of their flowers and materials and choose those who prioritize environmentally friendly methods.
FAQ Section
What is the proper way to dispose of a lei?
The most respectful way to dispose of a lei is to return it to nature. You can hang it on a tree, bury it in the ground, or scatter it at sea. Avoid throwing it away in the trash.
Is it okay to take a lei home with me?
While it’s technically possible, it’s generally not recommended to take a fresh flower lei home, especially if you’re traveling to another country. The flowers may not survive the journey, and you may be subject to agricultural restrictions. If you want to keep a lei as a souvenir, consider purchasing a shell lei or a feather lei, as these are more durable.
Can I wear a lei if I’m not Hawaiian?
Yes, absolutely! Lei are often given to visitors as a welcoming gesture, and anyone can wear a lei with respect and appreciation for its cultural significance.
What is the significance of lei exchange in Hawaiian weddings?
Exchanging lei is a beautiful and significant part of Hawaiian wedding ceremonies. The lei symbolize the love, respect, and commitment between the couple. Maile lei are particularly popular for weddings, representing the intertwining of two lives. The circular shape of the lei also symbolizes eternity.
Are there any flowers that should never be used in a lei?
Traditionally, some flowers, such as those associated with specific deities or sacred places, were not used in lei. However, these restrictions are less common today. The most important thing is to be respectful of the cultural significance of the flowers and to avoid using any materials that are endangered or harvested unsustainably.
Where can I learn more about lei making in Hawaii?
Many cultural centers and hotels throughout Hawaii offer lei-making workshops. You can also find online tutorials and resources. Look for classes taught by experienced lei makers with a deep understanding of Hawaiian traditions.
References
- “Lei,” Ulukau, The Hawaiian Electronic Library.
- “The Meaning Of Aloha,” Aloha International.
- “Lei Making,” Bishop Museum.
Ready to experience the profound beauty and meaning of the Hawaiian lei firsthand? Seek out a local lei maker, attend a lei-making workshop, or simply take a moment to appreciate the artistry and symbolism of this iconic Hawaiian treasure. By understanding the language of the lei, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the culture of Hawaii and connect with the spirit of aloha in a meaningful way. Your journey into understanding the Hawaiian lei has just begun; embrace it, appreciate it, and share the aloha.
