Lei

Hawaii · traditions · flowers · Pacific culture

Made from nature. Lei are typically made by stringing together fresh flowers, leaves, and natural materials. People weave them carefully by hand to create beautiful garlands that smell wonderful.

A gift of honour. Lei are given to people to show respect and celebrate special moments like graduations, weddings, or when someone is visiting or leaving. Presenting a lei is a warm way of saying you care about someone.

Comes from the Pacific. Lei traditions are especially important in Hawaii, Polynesia, and the Philippines, where they have been made and worn for hundreds of years as part of the local culture.

Worn with pride. A lei is placed around someone's neck or worn on the head like a crown. It's an honour to receive one, and people often keep them to remember a special day.

Many styles exist. Different lei are made from different flowers and plants, so each one looks unique. Some use orchids, hibiscus, plumeria, or even leaves and nuts from tropical plants.