Lei are an instantly recognizable symbol of Hawai'i. The wreaths of flowers and foliage worn by both men and women add fragrance and beauty to island life.

 

But lei are more than flowers sewn on a strand. There are lei of seeds, shells, feathers, and even words. A special song composed for a loved one can be a lei. But all of them are a tangible expression of aloha, and as such are given to show love, joy, or sympathy, and as greetings and farewells.

 

In fact, poetically, a child is called a lei, because the child is the weaving together of the love of his or her parents and ancestors.

 

In modern times, a lei is often given with a kiss. The story goes: During World War II, a hula dancer at one of the USO clubs was dared by her girlfriends to kiss a handsome young officer. She met the challenge by going up to him and giving him her lei, saying, "It is our custom to give a kiss with a lei." Thus a new "ancient" custom was born.

 

In ancient times, however, a lei was never placed over a person's head and given with a kiss - pleasant as that modern tradition is. To "na po'e kahiko", the people of olden times, the head was sacred. People did not put their hands or arms above another's head. A lei was carefully wrapped in a special container, often made of fresh ti leaves, and handed to the recipient. If the lei was for a very high ranking ali'i, then the lei would be handed to a retainer to give the ali'i...

 

When, people often wonder, is it appropriate to wear a lei? Why, any time at all! A lei is always an appropriate gift, though the symbolism of some specific lei make them more appropriate at some times than others.

 

We wear lei on our heads, on our hats, and around our necks. We give and wear lei at birthday parties, graduations, and weddings. We take them as hostess gifts, and to give to the departed at funerals. We wear lei when performing hula, and we give lei to esteemed elders.

 

The above history is excerpted from Ka'ahele Hawai'i

 

Lei Oral History from the University of Hawai'i

Origins of Lei Making - Hawai'i History

Getting the Lei of the Land - S.F. Chronicle story