The Meaning of the Hawaiian Lei

what is a hawaiian leiA Hawaiian Lei is a garland made of flowers, leaves, seeds, and/or objects like seashells. The pieces are strung together and it is made to be worn by the person it is given to. You may also see them on statues or in important places throughout Hawaii.

When you think of Hawaii, you may think the Hawaiian lei made with fresh plumeria flowers often used to welcome someone. When used in this manner, it is a symbol of affection. They are also used during celebrations like weddings, school graduations, and birthdays as well as to show respect and love during funerals.

Note that nā lei is the plural in the Hawaiian language. The Hawaii lei even has its own day; indeed each May 1st Hawaiians celebrate Lei Day no matter where they are in the world.

On Maui, during Lei Day, the garlands are often made with Lokelani Roses (Pink Damask Rose which is actually the official flower of Maui).

According to Wikipedia, there are 8 different types of leis in Hawaii:

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 lāʻī (tī leaf lei) is made using this method.

Hipuʻu / nipuʻu: 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 hala, laʻi, paper, or felt. Each successive row of lei material is overlapped on the previous to create a scale-like effect. Bougainvillea lei 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 plumeria, rose, carnation, etc.

Wili: Wind, twist, crank, coil. A corkscrew-type twist, as found in a pig's tail and the seed pod of the wiliwili tree. A method of making a lei by winding fiber around successive short lengths of the decorative material. Sometimes base materials such as hala, laʻi, strands of raffia, or even strips of paper are used to make wrapping easier.

Haku mele: To braid a song. A song composed out of affection for an individual is considered a lei.

 

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