Hawaiian leis

Hawaiian flower leis: Lei is a Hawaiian word for wreath or garland. In Hawaiian culture, the most popular use of the lei is to drape it around the neck. It is usually presented while arriving or leaving as a symbol of affection. The lei can be composed of a series or patterns of about anything. It may include feathers, seashells, fabric, paper, plastic flowers, candy or anything that can be strung together in a pattern and worn as a wreath. Usually, however, Hawaiian leis consist of fresh, natural foliage such as vines, flowers or fern fronds. Flower leis are made of orchid, lehua blossom or plumeria, though maile leaves are traditional and very popular among hula dancers. According to history the ancient Hawaiians wore native flowers, braided leaves, stones, bones and feathers to beatify themselves. Farmers, nursing mothers, crafts people and even ruling chiefs used to wear leis for good fortune. Visitors, during the ‘Boat Days’ of the later 1800’s, were greeted with a floral lei and an ‘aloha’ welcome when they arrived. It has been said that if they tossed their lei into the ocean, and it came back floating to the beach, then the person would come back to the island. The tradition continues until today. Beautiful and tender Hawaiian flower leis are still hand-made and people wear them on all special occasions. People all around the world associate leis with Hawaii, and the tradition has been passed on through the ages as a lovely gesture.

Hawaiian wedding leis: Hawaiian weddings cannot be complete without wedding leis. In old Hawaii, the Kahuna Pule or the religious man used Maile lei to bind the hands of groom and the bride during the wedding ceremony. It symbolized their sacred union. These days, the groom wears fragrant Maile lei intertwined with white jasmine (pikake) and ilima, and the bride at times dons a haku headband in place of the traditional headpiece. Triple delicate pikake strands are suitable for the mother of the bride and bridegroom. Some of the Hawaiian wedding leis are: pikake lei, maile lei, ohai ali’l lei, tuberose lei, crown flower lei, carnation lei (these are cheap alternatives to maile leafed garlands), dendrobium orchid lei, haku lei or ilima lei. Hawaiian leis can be used in place of, or in conjunction with, corsages or bouquets for the bride or any member of the wedding party. They are also appropriate during the reception.

Hawaiian silk leis: The tradition of giving and receiving leis in Hawaii has existed for a long time. Leis are presented to say, “welcome”, commemorate a special event, honor an achievement or just to express affection. Sometimes they are worn or given to each other simply for the enjoyment of being around beautiful flowers. Apart from the real flower leis, you can also get realistic and beautiful Hawaiian silk leis. With reasonable care, these silk leis last longer and can hold their shape and color for years. Hawaiian silk leis are made from 100% polyester.

Fresh Hawaiian lei: Hawaiian leis mark any important event in a person’s life. There are love leis, grief leis, marriage leis and even leis for birth and death. Men, women and children of all ages wear them. Leis are infused with all the traditions of the islands, and tell the story of Hawaiian mythology, the legends of the people, the history and culture. If you want fresh Hawaiian leis shipped to you for a special occasion or party, you can place an order on the Internet. There are several websites where you can access a lot of information and different research material related to the making of Hawaiian leis and ‘how to make’ pointers. You need to order Hawaiian leis in advance if it is a busy season. You can also choose the date you want the fresh Hawaiian leis to be delivered.