| Leis are traditional Hawaiian flower necklaces made of | | | | offering. Once the flowers have wilted, do not throw |
| the beautiful and colorful blossoms found in Hawaii. | | | | the lei in the trash. It should be returned to the place |
| Traditionally, leis were made only from the most | | | | where the flowers were gathered, if possible, or |
| attractive blooms, and given on special occasions, | | | | returned to the earth through hanging in a tree, |
| such as luaus. Today they are given out much more | | | | burying, or burning the lei. |
| frequently than in the past, particularly at Hawaiian | | | | No matter where you are in the world, you can likely |
| events for tourists. These necklaces are given as a | | | | find a florist who specializes in these beautiful flower |
| sign of welcoming and a show of affection. | | | | necklaces. For low-budget luaus, you can also find |
| The wearing of leis is an ancient custom. Captain | | | | colorful and festive leis made of plastic, cloth, or |
| Cook first recorded the wearing of leis in Hawaii in | | | | paper. |
| 1779, but the tradition actually dates back many | | | | You can even make your own leis using tropical |
| centuries. It is an early Polynesian idea used for | | | | flowers. Orchids are the most popular choice for |
| beauty and to distinguish the wearer from others. | | | | Hawaiian leis, although many different tropical blooms |
| These leis, usually worn by the upper class, were | | | | can be used. Other common lei flowers are yellow or |
| made not only of flowers but also of feather, beads, | | | | pink Plumeria, which is also called Frangipani, as well as |
| ivory, or shells. Another type of traditional lei, today | | | | Lehua Blossoms. These large blossoms are fragrant |
| seen less commonly than the floral lei, is one made of | | | | and beautiful, and are species found all over the |
| Maille leaves. Woven out of these large green leafs, it | | | | islands of Hawaii. |
| is associated with the god of Hula, and is today most | | | | Besides the flowers, you'll also need some string and |
| often seen on hula dancers. In centuries past the | | | | a special lei needle, which is usually about 4 inches |
| maile lei was also used to signify peace between two | | | | long to enable it to go all the way through the |
| opposing groups. | | | | blossom. You'll want to push the needle through the |
| Today, leis make excellent favors for luau parties and | | | | bottom part of the flower, and repeat the process |
| island-style weddings. Lei presentation ceremonies are | | | | until there are five or six blossoms on the needle. |
| a popular part of weddings and Hawaiian-style parties. | | | | Then carefully pull the needle through all of the |
| They can be worn instead of corsages by the | | | | flowers, being gentle so as to not tear the petals. |
| wedding party and family, exchanged during the | | | | Although the process for making leis is fairly simple, it |
| ceremony, or given as wedding favors. They can also | | | | requires quite a bit of practice to make the leis look |
| be given for birthdays, graduations, or other | | | | beautiful without destroying the flowers. You can also |
| important events. | | | | connect the flowers by braiding or knotting the |
| When wearing a lei, there is no need for a special | | | | stems together, although this requires more skill. |
| occasion; it is appropriate to wear a lei anytime, | | | | There are even classes to teach people how to |
| anywhere. However, there are a couple of rules to | | | | make leis. If you are planning a vacation to Hawaii, |
| follow. First, never refuse a lei. Because it is a symbol | | | | that is the perfect opportunity to find a class on |
| of affection, it is considered rude to refuse the | | | | lei-making. |