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Lei (garland)

January 01, 1970

A lei (/leɪ/) is a garland or wreath common in Hawaii, across Polynesia, and the Philippines. More loosely defined, a lei is any series of objects strung together with the intent to be worn. Lei of various styles are given as gifts to honour people throughout the Pacific, being presented, for example, to visiting dignitaries, graduates, or to loved ones who are departing.

A fragrant lei of fresh pikake (Arabian jasmine)

Lei gained popularity in the United States due to the common practice of presenting one to arriving or leaving tourists in Hawaii. Sampaguita leis are also used in the Philippines for religious reason, typically worn to their Anito or religious statues.[1]

Symbolism edit

A lei can be given to someone for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, these reasons include peace, love, honor, or friendship.[2] Common events during which leis may be distributed include graduations, weddings, and school dances.[2] Often the composition of a lei determines its significance. A lei made using a hala fruit, for instance, is said to be connected to love, desire, transition, and change.[3]

Materials edit

 
A Lei hulu, made from feathers

A lei may be composed of a pattern or series of just about anything, but most commonly consists of fresh natural foliage such as flowers, leaves, vines, fern fronds, and seeds. The most commonly used flowers are those of plumerias, tuberose, carnations, orchids, and pikake, though maile leaves, ferns, and tī leaves are extremely popular as well as traditional among hula dancers. Other types of lei may include sea or land shells, fish teeth, bones, feathers, plastic flowers, fabric, paper (including origami and monetary bills), candy, or anything that can be strung together in a series or pattern and worn as a wreath or a necklace. The Hawaiian Island of Niʻihau is famous for its lei made of tiny gem-like shells (pūpū).[4]

Crafting edit

 
The Wili method of making leis

The eight most common methods of making lei are:

Haku: three-ply braid incorporating additional materials. A method of making a lei by using a base material, such as softened tree bark or long leaves, and braiding it while adding the decorative plant material into each wrap of the braid. Normally used for flowers and foliage with long pliable petioles or stems.[5]

Hili: braid or plait with only one kind of material. Most commonly made from three or more strands of supple vine or fern braided together.[5]

Hilo: twist, double helix, intertwine. A method of making a lei by twisting two strands together to form a "rope". The popular and simple lei lāʻī (tī leaf lei) is made using this method.[5]

Hipuʻu / nipuʻu: a method of making a lei by knotting the stems of the decorative plant material and stringing the next stem through the knot. It requires a very long stem on the decorative material. Similar to a daisy chain.[5]

Humu / humuhumu: sew to a backing, usually using a basting stitch. A method of making a lei by sewing the decorative material to a backing such as hala, laʻi, paper, or felt. Each successive row of lei material is overlapped on the previous to create a scale-like effect. Bougainvillea lei and feather hat lei often are made with this method.[5]

Kui: pierce, piercing stitch. A method of making a lei by sewing or piercing the decorative material with a needle and stringing it onto a thread. This is probably the style with which most Westerners are familiar. This method is commonly used to string flowers such as plumeria, rose, carnation, etc.[5]

Wili: wind, twist, crank, coil. A corkscrew-type twist, as found in a pig's tail and the seed pod of the wiliwili tree. A method of making a lei by winding fiber around successive short lengths of the decorative material. Sometimes base materials such as hala, laʻi, strands of raffia, or even strips of paper are used to make wrapping easier.[5]

Haku mele: to braid a song. A song composed out of affection for an individual is considered a lei.

Lei may be open or closed, depending on circumstance.

These leis are traditionally constructed using natural foliage.[5]

Historical context edit

Leis were originally worn by ancient Polynesians and some Asian people as part of custom.[6] They were often used by Native Hawaiians to signify their ranks and royalty.[6] They are also worn as a form of honor to each other and their gods.[7] The religion of the Native Hawaiians as well as the hula custom is tied into the leis that they wore.[6]

Native Hawaiians, who are Polynesian, brought the tradition of lei making and wearing with them to the Hawaiian islands when they arrived.[6] On the first of every May, an event called Lei Day is celebrated to honor the act of lei making and the custom surrounding it.[8]

Customs edit

There are many customs and protocols associated with the giving, receiving, wearing, storing, and disposing of lei.[3] A story that originated during World War II tells of a hula dancer who dared to give a lei to a US soldier along with a kiss, leading it to become a tradition of lei distribution in modern times.[3] To this day, leis remain a notable aspect of Hawaiian culture.[3] Traditionalists give a lei by bowing slightly and raising it above the heart, allowing the recipient to take it, as raising the hands above another's head, or touching the face or head, is considered disrespectful.

By tradition, only open lei are given to a pregnant or nursing woman. If due to allergies or other reasons a person cannot wear a lei which has just been given (for instance a musician who would tangle the lei in their guitar strap), the lei is displayed in a place of honor, such as the musician's music stand or microphone stand. Lei should never be thrown away casually, or tossed into the trash.

Traditionally they should be returned to the place they were gathered, or if that is not possible, they should be returned to the earth by hanging in a tree, burying, or burning. A lei represents love, and to throw one away represents throwing away the love of the giver. Many types of lei can be left in a window to dry, allowing the natural fragrance to fill the room. This technique is often used in cars as well.

Polynesia edit

In Polynesian cultures, a lei is something that is created by someone and given to another with the intent to decorate that person for an emotional reason—usually as a sign of affection. Common reasons include greeting, farewell, affection or love, friendship, appreciation, congratulation, recognition, or to otherwise draw attention to the recipient. In Samoa, similar garlands fashioned of entire flowers, buds, seeds, nuts, plant fibers, leaves, ferns, seashells, or flower petals are called "asoa" or "ula",[9] while single flowers or clusters worn in the hair or on the ear are called sei. In Tahiti such garlands are referred to as "hei" and in the Cook Islands they are called an "ei".[10]

Tongans are known for creating unique "kahoa" leis made of chains of flat, crescent or triangular arrangements made of flower petals and leaves sewn onto a leaf or cloth backing.[11] In Niue the iconic lei is the kahoa hihi which made from strings of tiny, distinctively yellow snail (hihi) shells.[12] Many modern Polynesian celebrations include the giving and receiving of leis in various forms, including recent adaptations of the flower/plant lei in which candy, folded currency bills, rolls of coinage, and even spam musubi are tied into garlands. "Non-traditional" materials such as cloth ribbon, sequins, cellophane wrap, curling ribbon, and yarn are often used to fashion leis in various forms today.

Hawaiʻi edit

 
U.S. President Lyndon Johnson wears lei while visiting Hawaii

Among residents of Hawaiʻi, the most popular occasions at which nā lei can be found are birthdays, graduations, weddings, funerals, retirement parties, and bridal showers.[13][14] It is not uncommon for a high school or college graduate to be seen wearing so many nā lei that they reach their ears or higher.[15]

On May 1 each year, Hawaiians celebrate "Lei Day", first conceived in 1927 by poet Don Blanding. At the time, Blanding was employed by the Honolulu Star Bulletin, and he shared his idea with columnist Grace Tower Warren, who came up with the phrase, "May Day is Lei Day". The Hawaiian song, "May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii" was composed in 1927 by Ruth and Leonard "Red" Hawk.[16]

At the 81st Annual Mayor's Lei Day Celebration at Kapiolani Park in 2008, Honolulu set the record for the World's Longest Lei. Unofficially, the lei measured 5,336 feet (1,626 m) in length, more than a mile.[17]

All of the major islands celebrate Lei Day, and each island is symbolized in pageantry by a specific type of lei and a color.

Philippines edit

 
Pink rosette leis worn by Vice President Leni Robredo during a campaign rally in Pampanga, Philippines

The old custom for welcoming guests in the Philippines is by giving a flower necklace made of sampaguita, the country's national flower.[18] However, in the recent years, more affordable options has emerged. This became popular over time as fresh flowers are hard to maintain especially during long events. One of the popular modern option are rosette leis, it is made of Brocade cut into necklace of various designs and a center piece flower petals made of satin ribbon.[19]

Gallery edit

See also edit

  • Garland – Decorative wreath or cord, used at festive occasions
  • Japamala – Indian prayer bead string
  • Namaste – Customary Hindu greeting
  • Phuang malai – Thai floral garland

References edit

  1. ^ "Wreath Garland – History, Meaning, Purpose and Symbolism". www.rosetteleis.com. Retrieved 2022-07-03.
  2. ^ a b "Symbolism". Flower Leis. Retrieved 2015-12-04.
  3. ^ a b c d "The Evolution of the Lei". Flower Leis. Retrieved 2015-12-04.
  4. ^ . Archived from the original on 2011-07-23. Retrieved 2009-08-17. The Flowers of Niihau by Sky Barnhart Maui No Ka 'Oi Magazine June 08
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h "The Different Types of Leis". Aloha Island Lei. Retrieved 2015-12-04.
  6. ^ a b c d "The History of the Lei". Flower Leis. Retrieved 2015-12-04.
  7. ^ "A Custom of Aloha". Flower Leis. Retrieved 2015-12-04.
  8. ^ . Aloha Island Lei. Archived from the original on 2015-12-08. Retrieved 2015-12-04.
  9. ^ "'ulafala (pandanus key necklace)". Collections Online. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
  10. ^ "Pacifica Mamas adorn the Town Hall with a giant ei as a gift of love". Auckland Council Te Kaunihera o Tāmakimakaurau. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  11. ^ "Kahoa Kakala: Sione Monu". Objectspace. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  12. ^ Talagi, Salote (15 October 2014). "The beautiful Kahoa Hihi of Niue Island – Niue language week 2014". Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  13. ^ Kakesako, Gregg (25 May 1998). "Hero's farewell". Star-Bulletin. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  14. ^ "Ceremonies at Sea". Whipsaw Sportfishing. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  15. ^ Sweeten-Shults, Lana (26 April 2019). "No lei-ing low for these GCU nursing graduates". GCU Today. Grand Canyon University. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  16. ^ (PDF). Lei Day Celebration. City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-05-29. Retrieved 2008-05-09.
  17. ^ Fischer, John. "Lei Day in Hawaii". About.com.
  18. ^ "Flower-Giving in the Philippines: Explaining the PH Culture and Tradition". Tips & Guides. October 16, 2018. Retrieved 2022-05-05.
  19. ^ "Leis in the Philippines". www.rosetteleis.com. Retrieved 2022-05-05.

Sources edit

Further reading edit

External links edit

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lei (Hawaii).
  • History of the Lei
  • Na Lei o Hawai`i (archived 8 December 2012)
  • (archived 8 December 2015)
  • Leis over time
  • (archived 26 August 2007)
  • A story by Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi about the art of feather lei making in Hawaii. Published by Maui No Ka 'Oi Magazine Nov/Dec 2009 (archived 12 November 2009)
  • Leis in the Philippines

January 01, 1970
garland, garland, wreath, common, hawaii, across, polynesia, philippines, more, loosely, defined, series, objects, strung, together, with, intent, worn, various, styles, given, gifts, honour, people, throughout, pacific, being, presented, example, visiting, di. A lei l eɪ is a garland or wreath common in Hawaii across Polynesia and the Philippines More loosely defined a lei is any series of objects strung together with the intent to be worn Lei of various styles are given as gifts to honour people throughout the Pacific being presented for example to visiting dignitaries graduates or to loved ones who are departing A fragrant lei of fresh pikake Arabian jasmine Lei gained popularity in the United States due to the common practice of presenting one to arriving or leaving tourists in Hawaii Sampaguita leis are also used in the Philippines for religious reason typically worn to their Anito or religious statues 1 Contents 1 Symbolism 2 Materials 3 Crafting 4 Historical context 5 Customs 5 1 Polynesia 5 2 Hawaiʻi 5 3 Philippines 6 Gallery 7 See also 8 References 8 1 Sources 9 Further reading 10 External linksSymbolism editA lei can be given to someone for a variety of reasons Most commonly these reasons include peace love honor or friendship 2 Common events during which leis may be distributed include graduations weddings and school dances 2 Often the composition of a lei determines its significance A lei made using a hala fruit for instance is said to be connected to love desire transition and change 3 Materials edit nbsp A Lei hulu made from feathers A lei may be composed of a pattern or series of just about anything but most commonly consists of fresh natural foliage such as flowers leaves vines fern fronds and seeds The most commonly used flowers are those of plumerias tuberose carnations orchids and pikake though maile leaves ferns and ti leaves are extremely popular as well as traditional among hula dancers Other types of lei may include sea or land shells fish teeth bones feathers plastic flowers fabric paper including origami and monetary bills candy or anything that can be strung together in a series or pattern and worn as a wreath or a necklace The Hawaiian Island of Niʻihau is famous for its lei made of tiny gem like shells pupu 4 Crafting edit nbsp The Wili method of making leis The eight most common methods of making lei are Haku three ply braid incorporating additional materials A method of making a lei by using a base material such as softened tree bark or long leaves and braiding it while adding the decorative plant material into each wrap of the braid Normally used for flowers and foliage with long pliable petioles or stems 5 Hili braid or plait with only one kind of material Most commonly made from three or more strands of supple vine or fern braided together 5 Hilo twist double helix intertwine A method of making a lei by twisting two strands together to form a rope The popular and simple lei laʻi ti leaf lei is made using this method 5 Hipuʻu nipuʻu a method of making a lei by knotting the stems of the decorative plant material and stringing the next stem through the knot It requires a very long stem on the decorative material Similar to a daisy chain 5 Humu humuhumu sew to a backing usually using a basting stitch A method of making a lei by sewing the decorative material to a backing such as hala laʻi paper or felt Each successive row of lei material is overlapped on the previous to create a scale like effect Bougainvillea lei and feather hat lei often are made with this method 5 Kui pierce piercing stitch A method of making a lei by sewing or piercing the decorative material with a needle and stringing it onto a thread This is probably the style with which most Westerners are familiar This method is commonly used to string flowers such as plumeria rose carnation etc 5 Wili wind twist crank coil A corkscrew type twist as found in a pig s tail and the seed pod of the wiliwili tree A method of making a lei by winding fiber around successive short lengths of the decorative material Sometimes base materials such as hala laʻi strands of raffia or even strips of paper are used to make wrapping easier 5 Haku mele to braid a song A song composed out of affection for an individual is considered a lei Lei may be open or closed depending on circumstance These leis are traditionally constructed using natural foliage 5 Historical context editLeis were originally worn by ancient Polynesians and some Asian people as part of custom 6 They were often used by Native Hawaiians to signify their ranks and royalty 6 They are also worn as a form of honor to each other and their gods 7 The religion of the Native Hawaiians as well as the hula custom is tied into the leis that they wore 6 Native Hawaiians who are Polynesian brought the tradition of lei making and wearing with them to the Hawaiian islands when they arrived 6 On the first of every May an event called Lei Day is celebrated to honor the act of lei making and the custom surrounding it 8 Customs editThere are many customs and protocols associated with the giving receiving wearing storing and disposing of lei 3 A story that originated during World War II tells of a hula dancer who dared to give a lei to a US soldier along with a kiss leading it to become a tradition of lei distribution in modern times 3 To this day leis remain a notable aspect of Hawaiian culture 3 Traditionalists give a lei by bowing slightly and raising it above the heart allowing the recipient to take it as raising the hands above another s head or touching the face or head is considered disrespectful By tradition only open lei are given to a pregnant or nursing woman If due to allergies or other reasons a person cannot wear a lei which has just been given for instance a musician who would tangle the lei in their guitar strap the lei is displayed in a place of honor such as the musician s music stand or microphone stand Lei should never be thrown away casually or tossed into the trash Traditionally they should be returned to the place they were gathered or if that is not possible they should be returned to the earth by hanging in a tree burying or burning A lei represents love and to throw one away represents throwing away the love of the giver Many types of lei can be left in a window to dry allowing the natural fragrance to fill the room This technique is often used in cars as well Polynesia edit In Polynesian cultures a lei is something that is created by someone and given to another with the intent to decorate that person for an emotional reason usually as a sign of affection Common reasons include greeting farewell affection or love friendship appreciation congratulation recognition or to otherwise draw attention to the recipient In Samoa similar garlands fashioned of entire flowers buds seeds nuts plant fibers leaves ferns seashells or flower petals are called asoa or ula 9 while single flowers or clusters worn in the hair or on the ear are called sei In Tahiti such garlands are referred to as hei and in the Cook Islands they are called an ei 10 Tongans are known for creating unique kahoa leis made of chains of flat crescent or triangular arrangements made of flower petals and leaves sewn onto a leaf or cloth backing 11 In Niue the iconic lei is the kahoa hihi which made from strings of tiny distinctively yellow snail hihi shells 12 Many modern Polynesian celebrations include the giving and receiving of leis in various forms including recent adaptations of the flower plant lei in which candy folded currency bills rolls of coinage and even spam musubi are tied into garlands Non traditional materials such as cloth ribbon sequins cellophane wrap curling ribbon and yarn are often used to fashion leis in various forms today Hawaiʻi edit nbsp U S President Lyndon Johnson wears lei while visiting Hawaii Among residents of Hawaiʻi the most popular occasions at which na lei can be found are birthdays graduations weddings funerals retirement parties and bridal showers 13 14 It is not uncommon for a high school or college graduate to be seen wearing so many na lei that they reach their ears or higher 15 On May 1 each year Hawaiians celebrate Lei Day first conceived in 1927 by poet Don Blanding At the time Blanding was employed by the Honolulu Star Bulletin and he shared his idea with columnist Grace Tower Warren who came up with the phrase May Day is Lei Day The Hawaiian song May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii was composed in 1927 by Ruth and Leonard Red Hawk 16 At the 81st Annual Mayor s Lei Day Celebration at Kapiolani Park in 2008 Honolulu set the record for the World s Longest Lei Unofficially the lei measured 5 336 feet 1 626 m in length more than a mile 17 All of the major islands celebrate Lei Day and each island is symbolized in pageantry by a specific type of lei and a color Hawaiʻi red ʻōhiʻa lehua Metrosideros polymorpha Maui pink lokelani Rosa damascena Kahoʻolawe gray or silver hinahina Heliotropium anomalum var argentum Lanaʻi orange kaunaʻoa Cuscuta sandwichiana Oʻahu yellow or gold ʻilima Sida fallax Molokaʻi green kukui Aleurites moluccanus Kauaʻi purple mokihana Melicope anisata Niʻihau white pupu o Niʻihau Niʻihau shells Philippines edit nbsp Pink rosette leis worn by Vice President Leni Robredo during a campaign rally in Pampanga Philippines The old custom for welcoming guests in the Philippines is by giving a flower necklace made of sampaguita the country s national flower 18 However in the recent years more affordable options has emerged This became popular over time as fresh flowers are hard to maintain especially during long events One of the popular modern option are rosette leis it is made of Brocade cut into necklace of various designs and a center piece flower petals made of satin ribbon 19 Gallery edit nbsp Prince Alexander Liholiho wearing a lei garland nbsp Queen Emma is wearing multiple strands of lei pupu o Niʻihau nbsp Hawaiian lei vendors c 1901 nbsp Giant parol inspired rosette leis given to then Vice President Leni Robredo donated by Letrato Arts and Crafts Philippines nbsp Young hula dancers wearing kukui nut lei in preparation for a performance on Molokai nbsp Lei of plumeria flowers and umi umi o dole Spanish moss on an outrigger canoe at a blessing nbsp Lei for sale in the Cook Islands nbsp Delegates at the 2017 Pacific Islands Forum nbsp Anand Satyanand and Lady Satyanand wear lei while visiting the Cook Islands nbsp New Zealand Governor General and members of the Cook Islands cabinet wear lei at a meeting nbsp Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern and Pasifika Members of Parliament wear lei at an event nbsp Royal Tongan Wedding of 1976 nbsp A giant lantern inspired rosette leis in pink and gold color Given to Former Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo during the Manalakaran people s rally See also edit nbsp Hawaii portal nbsp Society portal Garland Decorative wreath or cord used at festive occasions Japamala Indian prayer bead string Namaste Customary Hindu greeting Phuang malai Thai floral garlandReferences edit Wreath Garland History Meaning Purpose and Symbolism www rosetteleis com Retrieved 2022 07 03 a b Symbolism Flower Leis Retrieved 2015 12 04 a b c d The Evolution of the Lei Flower Leis Retrieved 2015 12 04 The Flowers of Niihau Maui Magazine July August 2008 Maui Hawaii Archived from the original on 2011 07 23 Retrieved 2009 08 17 The Flowers of Niihau by Sky Barnhart Maui No Ka Oi Magazine June 08 a b c d e f g h The Different Types of Leis Aloha Island Lei Retrieved 2015 12 04 a b c d The History of the Lei Flower Leis Retrieved 2015 12 04 A Custom of Aloha Flower Leis Retrieved 2015 12 04 The Lei Tradition Continues Aloha Island Lei Archived from the original on 2015 12 08 Retrieved 2015 12 04 ulafala pandanus key necklace Collections Online Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Pacifica Mamas adorn the Town Hall with a giant ei as a gift of love Auckland Council Te Kaunihera o Tamakimakaurau Retrieved 16 October 2019 Kahoa Kakala Sione Monu Objectspace Retrieved 16 October 2019 Talagi Salote 15 October 2014 The beautiful Kahoa Hihi of Niue Island Niue language week 2014 Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Retrieved 12 October 2019 Kakesako Gregg 25 May 1998 Hero s farewell Star Bulletin Retrieved 17 September 2019 Ceremonies at Sea Whipsaw Sportfishing Retrieved 17 September 2019 Sweeten Shults Lana 26 April 2019 No lei ing low for these GCU nursing graduates GCU Today Grand Canyon University Retrieved 16 October 2019 A History of Lei Day PDF Lei Day Celebration City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation 2008 Archived from the original PDF on 2008 05 29 Retrieved 2008 05 09 Fischer John Lei Day in Hawaii About com Flower Giving in the Philippines Explaining the PH Culture and Tradition Tips amp Guides October 16 2018 Retrieved 2022 05 05 Leis in the Philippines www rosetteleis com Retrieved 2022 05 05 Sources edit Finding a lei making class in Hawaii Featured article in the Los Angeles Times Further reading editMcDonald Marie A 1995 Ka Lei The Leis of Hawaii Ku Pa a Publishing ISBN 978 0 914916 32 1 External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lei Hawaii History of the Lei Na Lei o Hawai i archived 8 December 2012 Lei History archived 8 December 2015 Leis over time Photo Gallery from Lei Day archived 26 August 2007 The Feather Lei A story by Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi about the art of feather lei making in Hawaii Published by Maui No Ka Oi Magazine Nov Dec 2009 archived 12 November 2009 Leis in the Philippines Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Lei garland amp oldid 1209665062, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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