Lei (garland)
- For other uses, see Lei.
Lei is a Hawaiian word for a garland or wreath. The most popular concept of a lei in hawaiian culture is a wreath of flowers draped around the neck presented upon arriving or leaving as a symbol of affection. This concept was popularized through tourism between the Hawaiian Islands and the continental United States in the 19th and 20th centuries.
More loosely defined, a lei is any series of objects strung together with the intent to be worn. A lei (na lei is the plural in the Hawaiian language) may be composed of a pattern or series of just about anything, but most commonly consists of fresh natural foliage such as flowers, vines, or fern fronds. Among the flowers used are the plumeria, lehua blossom or the orchid, though maile leaves are extremely popular as well as traditional among hula dancers.
Other types of lei may include sea or land shells, feathers, plastic flowers, fabric, paper (including origami and monetary bills), candy, words (as in a song), or anything that can be strung together in a series or pattern and worn as a wreath or a necklace.
Lei may be open or closed, depending on circumstance.
The seven 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.
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.
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 la`i (ti leaf lei) is made using this method.
hipu`u / nipu`u - 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.
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 lau hala, la`i, paper, or felt. Each successive row of lei material is overlapped on the previous to create a scale-like effect. Lei bouganvilla and feather hat lei often are made with this method.
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 frangipani, rose, carnation, etc.
wili - wind, twist, crank, coil. A corkscrew-type twist - as found in Porky Pig's tail and the seed pod of the wili-wili tree. A method of making a lei by winding fiber around successive short lengths of the decorative material. Sometimes base materials such as lau hala, la`i, strands of raffia, or even strips of paper are used to make wrapping easier.
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.
Among residents of Hawaiʻi, the most popular occasions at which lei can be found are birthdays, graduations, weddings, funerals, retirement parties, and bridal showers. It is not uncommon for a high school or college graduate to be seen wearing so many lei that they reach his or her ears or higher.
In Samoa, a similar garland is called an ula.
There are many customs and protocols associated with the giving, receiving, wearing, storing, and disposing of lei.
In modern times, a lei is usually given with a kiss - acustom which began in World War II. Traditionalists, however, 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 his or her 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 wer gathered, or if that is not possible, they should be returned to the earth by hanging in a tree, burying, or burning.