Posted on February 7, 2010.
Hawaiian Leis Hawaiian Leis are known worldwide as a symbol of aloha. A member of the crew of Captain Cook's first recording of the custom of wearing garlands of flowers Hawaii in 1779. Today, wearing Hawaii flower leis is more prevalent than ever among both residents and visitors.
An ancient Polynesian custom
Early travelers Polynesians who migrated and settled in the islands initially introduced the use of lei to the Hawaiian Islands. Leis were worn by these original Hawaiians to beautify themselves and distinguish themselves from others. The original Hawaiians excelled in the creation of permanent necklaces constructed of feathers, ivory, pearls, and even teeth. Often, these collars are an emblem of the ali'i, or ruling class.
The lei maile was probably the most important, because it was the lei of all people, all classes and all occasions, but he was especially associated with the worship of the gods of hula. It has also been used to describe a peace agreement between opposing chiefs.
A modern Hawaiian tradition
With the advent of the 20th century tourism in the islands, the lei has quickly become the symbol of Hawaii to millions of visitors worldwide. During the Days of the boat "in the early 1900s, lei vendors lined the pier at Aloha Tower to welcome the arrival of visitors and residents returning home. Departing visitors threw their lei into the sea as their ship passed Diamond Head, hoping they would be back in the islands again some day.
For residents of Hawaii, the most popular occasions for giving lei to birthdays and graduations. It is not uncommon for a high school or college graduates to be seen wearing many necklaces so that they reach higher than the ears. It is common for people to have a nut, seed or shell lei on hand to wear on special occasions.
Hawaiian leis
Among the flowers used in Hawaiian Leis modern plumeria, Lehua flowers, and orchids, although maile leaves are extremely popular, and traditional jewels are the hula dancers. Today, most visitors are aware of the plumeria lei - a newcomer - widely available in airports and hotels.
There are very few rules when it comes to wearing Hawaiian lei. Anyone can wear one at any time - there is no need for special occasion. A lei is considered a celebration of affection from one person to another, it is considered bad manners to refuse. The proper way to wear a lei is gently placed on his shoulders, hangs on the front and rear. It is acceptable for a purchase or to make a lei for themselves.
Lei Airport Greeting
The Lei Greeting at the airport is now a standard experience in Hawaii. Tourism has increased between Hawaii and the mainland United States, it became customary to make garlands for those arriving or departing the islands by air, creating a cottage industry of construction lei.
Today, visitors experience the traditional hospitality of Hawaii with authentic Leis right, at their arrival gate company. Vendors are pre-disposed to distribute Hawaiian leis and assistance to transport the baggage to connecting flights island.
A warm welcome lei screen is just outside the arrival gates at Honolulu International Airport, Kahului, Lihue and Hilo airports, holding a welcome sign personalized with the names of visitors to this subject. These providers offer a Hawaiian-style reception with beautiful fresh flower leis a very reasonable price.
May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii
In Hawaii, the 1st of May is celebrated as Lei Day, rather than May Day, the rest of the world. The Festival of the Lei was held on 1 May 1928, when a pair of local artists in Honolulu encouraged everyone to wear a lei. Festival downtown were held with hula, music, lei making demonstrations, and exhibitions and competitions.
In 1929, Lei Day was a holiday in the Territory of Hawaii, a tradition.