Hawaiian Leis
What is a Hawaiian Lei & symbolism
Aug
Whether you’ve seen it on television or received a lei while visiting the Hawaiian islands the Hawaiian Lei is an integral part of Hawaii and its culture. Additionally, you may have seen Hawaiian Leis used for a wedding, or an event or celebration as they can be used for many occasions.
The Hawaiian lei has become and is still a famous iconic piece of Hawaii. However even with its notoriety many people may wonder what is a Hawaiian lei? and what are the reasons behind wearing them.
The Hawaiian lei is an iconic symbol of Hawaii and Aloha. It has been a part of the Hawaiian culture going back many generations. For the past century the Hawaiian Lei has been primarily used and seen mainly in Hawaii.
Nowadays Lei has become very popular for celebrations across the nation and globally. It remains in strong use for graduations but more importantly it still remains a gift of showing one’s love to another for all occasions.
What is a Hawaiian Lei?
A Hawaiian lei is a garland as some call it, or a tight series of flowers strung together with the intent to be worn. A Hawaiian flower lei is commonly made from various types of flowers and typical examples use Orchid blossoms, Pikake blossoms or Tuberose Flowers and is woven into the shape of a garland or wreath.
However there are various types of lei that can use leaves combined with seeds kukui nut leis, seashells lei or other plant materials and is considered Hawaii’s sacred item.
Another popular style of the Hawaiian Lei can be open ended where an example can be Maile leaves woven and draped over the wearer. The Maile Lei is still a treasured Lei in modern day as the leaves come from a vine that is harvested by experienced people who hike high in the mountains to harvest them at the right time as it is a very seasonal plant as well.
Lei or Leis
In the Hawaiian language the word lei originally comes from ‘nā lei’ which is the plural form. Therefore the proper use of this word is lei for both singular and plural. To make it less confusing on our website we will use Lei(s) for the plural meaning.
Learn more about how to make lei : DIY How to Make a Hawaiian Lei with Flowers
Learn more about how to make lei : 7 Different Methods of Making “Hawaiian Leis”
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When do people wear leis
The Hawaiian Lei has been historically used for many different and significant occasions. These may include graduations, weddings, funerals, promotions, birthdays and more. The beauty of the Lei is they are customizable. Different flowers or combinations and colors can be made to complement and match the occasion.
Traditionally Leis have been used in many different religious ceremonies where the Lei plays an integral part of offering or as a sign of respect or welcome to visitors to a congregation. In more ancient ritual practices Hawaiians would offer Leis to the gods before fishing or hunting and for safe passage when traveling. Aside from graduations, almost all weddings in Hawaii will feature the use of leis. Many Lei traditions are still in strong use in Hawaiian weddings.
The giving of Leis during the ceremony is still a popular practice where the bride and groom will adorn each other with specially chosen Leis. These leis are normally being held by the wedding officiant as the bride and groom adorn each other following the officiant’s instruction.
In addition, most families will give leis to their families sometimes in matching themes and act as a symbol of the families joining each other in this ceremony. It is also common to give leis to all the guest as favors to mark their appreciation and some wedding parties will use leis in replacement of corsages keeping with a theme or highlighting the bride or groom.
Lei Symbol of Aloha
Leis symbolize many things including love, celebrations, congratulations, appreciation, welcoming and more. Historically leis have been mainly used for significant occasions, however now they are more commonly used for many occasions as they carry many different meanings and thus are seen at many public celebrations for many different reasons.
As mentioned above it is still common for a visitor to the islands to receive a lei or even a few leis during their stay in Hawaii. Leis are the symbol of Aloha. This means that anytime one wishes to share the feelings of love, happiness, welcoming or even good bye giving a lei is appropriate. Nothing has a stronger symbol of Aloha as a handmade Lei crafted with beautiful flowers.
Summary on Hawaiian Leis
The Hawaiian Lei is an iconic symbol of the Hawaiian islands that can be used for all occasions and has gained in popularity world wide. With today’s many lei styles, colors and choices of flowers there are so many to offer your loved ones for all different occasions. The next time you have an opportunity to share this gift of Aloha to your loved ones it’s so great to know that you no longer need to wait until the next visit to Hawaii as you can order beautiful fresh flower leis and have them shipped to any destination nationwide. You can order Hawaiian Leis Online from our Shaka Lei . or call us (888)-982-8953
The leis were fairly priced, shipped on time, received on time, stored well for 2 days looking just as fresh as the day they were made, and were a huge hit at the unfortunately small graduation celebration. Even during a pandemic, your island ordered to lockdown, and the hiccups of this new website, your team was still able to totally deliver! Mahalo from the East Coast
Mahalo Leslie for your wonderful words we are so thrilled you enjoyed our leis and that it made your celebration special! We really appreciate your review thank you so much 😊🤙🏽
Mahalo Nui Loa