The first of May and its Lei Day in Hawaii. A day when the focus is love. Its like celebrating Valentines Day and Christmas in May. Any time a holiday urges us to focus on love for one another is a good thing.
The first lei day was May 1, 1928. The lei custom was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian voyagers, who took a journey from Tahiti, navigating by the stars in sailing canoes. With these early settlers, the lei tradition in Hawaii was born. Leis were constructed of flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, feathers, and even bone and teeth of various animals. In Hawaiian tradition, these garlands were worn by ancient Hawaiians to beautify themselves and distinguish themselves from others.
There are very few "rules" when it comes to wearing a Hawaiian lei. Anyone can wear one, anytime. There are, however, a couple of "unspoken rules" one should know when receiving a lei for the first time. A lei should be a welcomed celebration of one person's affection to another. 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.
I will be enjoying the spirit of this day with my extended polynesian family. All day at the ho'olaule'a in the park then tonight at the luau and concert. The sun is shining the forecast calls for a high of 81 degrees. My chocolate haupia cakes are ready for tonight and I am ready to hang with the poly's.
The first lei day was May 1, 1928. The lei custom was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian voyagers, who took a journey from Tahiti, navigating by the stars in sailing canoes. With these early settlers, the lei tradition in Hawaii was born. Leis were constructed of flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, feathers, and even bone and teeth of various animals. In Hawaiian tradition, these garlands were worn by ancient Hawaiians to beautify themselves and distinguish themselves from others.
There are very few "rules" when it comes to wearing a Hawaiian lei. Anyone can wear one, anytime. There are, however, a couple of "unspoken rules" one should know when receiving a lei for the first time. A lei should be a welcomed celebration of one person's affection to another. 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.
I will be enjoying the spirit of this day with my extended polynesian family. All day at the ho'olaule'a in the park then tonight at the luau and concert. The sun is shining the forecast calls for a high of 81 degrees. My chocolate haupia cakes are ready for tonight and I am ready to hang with the poly's.
