While a few ancient Hawaiian customs have faded from memory, the tradition of lei-giving has managed to subsist and flourish. In the beautiful islands of Hawaii, everyone wears leis. A lei is a common symbol of
love, friendship, celebration, honor, or greeting
. In other words, it is a symbol of Aloha.
What does throwing a lei on the water mean?
Throwing a Lei
A funeral lei is often left somewhere meaningful to honor the departed person. Many times, the lei is left in a place that was important to the person who passed. Another way to honor the deceased is to throw the lei into the ocean* in remembrance
of the person who has passed
.
Is it disrespectful to wear a lei?
Open leis are worn with the middle of the lei hanging in the middle of the neck and the open ends evenly down the front. …
DO NOT refuse a lei when offered one
. This is considered to be disrespectful. DO NOT wear a lei you intend to give to someone else.
What do you say when you give someone a lei?
- Always accept aloha: Because lei are considered a symbol of affection and aloha, you should never refuse lei. …
- How to wear lei: The proper way to wear lei is gently draped over the shoulders, hanging from both the front and back.
Do different leis mean different things?
Maile ti leaf
leis symbolize appreciation, admiration, and respect
. Ti leaf leis are often used as gifts for graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and even memorials. Orange, red, or brown ilima flower leis symbolize love. The ilima flower is the official flower of the island of Oahu.
What do Hawaiians give when someone dies?
As a symbol of respect and love for the person who departed, many Hawaiians wear
leis
to funerals for loved ones. The funeral service area may also be decorated with leis. Photo of the departed person may be draped with leis. The casket itself may also be draped with leis to show respect for the person being honored.
Is it illegal to take shells from Hawaii?
Second, some people think it is illegal to remove rocks or sea shells from the shore in Hawaii. According to the Division of Land and Natural Resources, taking small amounts of sand, dead coral, rocks or other marine deposits for
personal, noncommercial use is allowed
.
Is it bad luck to take apart a money lei?
If you must remove it for practical reasons, it is polite to discreetly take it off and then hang it in a place of honor for all to see.
It is bad luck to give pregnant women a circular lei
because it symbolizes tangling of the umbilical cord. Instead, pregnant women should only be offered open-ended lei.
What flower is in a lei?
Lei, a garland or necklace of flowers given in Hawaii as a token of welcome or farewell. Leis are most commonly made of
carnations, kika blossoms, ginger blossoms, jasmine blossoms, or orchids
and are usually about 18 inches (46 cm) long.
Do you wear a lei before or after graduation?
Some rules state that the lei must be
presented after the graduation ceremony is over
. No matter when it is given, the gift of a graduation lei is a wish for good luck as well as to show the graduate how much they are loved and appreciated.
How do you accept a lei?
Therefore,
always accept a lei
, never refuse. The proper way to wear a lei is gently draped over the shoulders, hanging down both in front and in back. It is considered rude to remove a lei from your neck in the presence of the person who gave it to you, so if you must, be discreet.
What do you do with a lei?
A lei should never be thrown away in the trash as it is considered disrespectful. It is customary to return the lei to the earth. You can either remove the flowers from the string* and scatter them in the ocean, bury them or burn them. Or simply
hang the lei on a door or window to dry it out
.
What does the kukui lei mean?
The Kukui Nut tree was
a symbol of enlightenment, protection, guidance and peace
, and its spiritual powers are still believed to flow through Hawaiian culture and its ceremonies. In 1959, the Kukui tree itself was made the official tree emblem for the state of Hawai’i.
What does a black lei mean?
You can get the lei from gift shops and most street-side vendors in Hawaii. This was not the case in ancient times, however, because only royalty were allowed to wear these lei made of sleek black nuts. It was a way to
show the alii’s social status
, as well as honor Lono, god of agriculture, peace and fertility.
What are the different types of lei?
- Kui: This style is one of the most common, and it is made through a piercing method. …
- Hili: This braided lei form uses just one material throughout the lei. …
- Hipu’u: This knotted form of lei is made in much the same way as a daisy chain. …
- Haku: This mounted style of lei begins with a braid.
What is a head lei called?
A haku lei, or lei po’o
, is a lei made for the head (haku literally means “to braid”). The tradition of making and giving lei stems from ancient Hawai’i, when lei were used as for ceremonial purposes, as adornment, and to signify rank.
