Lei Day | History, Celebration, Purpose

 Lei Day

Three beautiful young local dancers pose together after doing a hula rehearsal outside. They are wearing grass skirts, matching red tops, and flowers in their hair. They are all smiling and laughing while they huddle together in a grassy area. There is a mountain range and jungle in the background.(Getty)

Lei Day is a yearly celebration held on May 1st in Hawaii, which originated in 1928 with the aim of promoting Hawaiian culture and the art of creating and wearing leis. Leis are a symbol of love, often presented as a gesture of welcome, congratulations, or farewell.

During Lei Day, several events and activities are organized across the Hawaiian islands, including lei-making contests, hula performances, live music, and tastings of traditional Hawaiian cuisine. The day's highlight is the crowning of the Lei Queen and her court, selected based on their knowledge of Hawaiian culture and expertise in lei-making.

Lei Day has evolved into an essential element of Hawaii's cultural heritage, celebrated by both locals and tourists. It is a time to honor the lei's beauty and significance and pay tribute to the Hawaiian people's rich history and traditions.

History of Lei Day

Lei Day is an annual celebration in Hawaii that began in 1928. The holiday was created by a group of artists and community leaders who wanted to promote the tradition of making and wearing leis, which are flower garlands or necklaces that have significant cultural and symbolic meanings in Hawaii.

Attractive young hula dancer, dancing on a Hawaiian beach with arms stretched out toward the sea. Color toning and film grain were added for a vintage postcard effect. (Getty)

At the time, Hawaii was experiencing a wave of westernization, and the organizers of Lei Day wanted to preserve and celebrate the unique cultural heritage of the islands. They chose May 1st as the date for the holiday, partly because it coincided with the ancient Hawaiian festival of Hana Matsuri, which celebrates the birth of the Buddha.

The first Lei Day celebration was held on May 1st, 1928, and it featured lei-making contests, hula performances, and other cultural events. The holiday was an immediate success and became an annual event, with each year's celebration growing bigger and more elaborate than the last.

What is the lei tradition?

The tradition of creating and exchanging flower garlands or necklaces known as leis is a significant aspect of Hawaiian culture. The word "lei" in Hawaiian means "to weave" or "to entwine," and the making and wearing of leis hold cultural and symbolic importance.

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Leis are usually crafted by stringing together natural materials like flowers, leaves, and shells. They can be worn on the neck, head, or draped over the shoulders and are often presented as a token of love, respect, congratulations, or farewell during special events such as weddings, graduations, birthdays, and other celebrations.

The lei tradition has been a fundamental part of Hawaiian culture for centuries, tracing its roots to ancient times when leis were used to adorn individuals on important occasions or to show reverence to their gods. Today, the lei tradition remains an essential element of Hawaii's cultural heritage, and the creation and wearing of leis remain highly valued practices in Hawaiian life and celebrations.

In 1929, the Lei Queen Pageant was introduced as part of the festivities, and it remains a highlight of Lei Day celebrations to this day. The pageant involves selecting a Lei Queen and her court, who are judged based on their knowledge of Hawaiian culture and their skill in lei-making.

Over the years, Lei Day has become an essential part of Hawaii's cultural heritage, celebrating the beauty and significance of leis, as well as the rich history and traditions of the Hawaiian people. The holiday continues to be observed each year on May 1st with a wide range of events and activities across the islands.

What is the purpose of a lei?

How is lei day celebrated?

Lei Day is celebrated annually on May 1st in Hawaii. The day is marked by a range of festivities, events, and activities across the islands. Here are some of the ways that Lei Day is celebrated:

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Lei-Making Contests: 

Lei-making competitions are held throughout the islands, and participants create their own unique leis using a variety of flowers and other natural materials.

Hula Performances:

 Hula dancers perform traditional Hawaiian dances accompanied by live music.

Hawaiian Food Tastings:

 Visitors can sample a range of traditional Hawaiian foods, including poi, kalua pig, and lomi salmon.

Crowning of the Lei Queen:

 The Lei Queen and her court are chosen based on their knowledge of Hawaiian culture and their skill in lei-making. The coronation ceremony is a highlight of the celebrations.

Parade: 

A parade is held in Honolulu, featuring colorful floats and marching bands.

Cultural Exhibitions: 

Visitors can learn about Hawaiian culture through exhibitions featuring arts and crafts, traditional games, and storytelling.

Overall, Lei Day is a time to celebrate and honor the Lei tradition, as well as the rich history and cultural heritage of the Hawaiian people.