What flowers are on a lei?
The most commonly used flowers are those of plumerias, tuberose, carnations, orchids, and pikake, though maile leaves, ferns, and tī leaves are extremely popular as well as traditional among hula dancers.
What does a flower lei symbolize?
In the beautiful islands of Hawaii, everyone wears leis. A lei is a common symbol of love, friendship, celebration, honor, or greeting. In other words, it is a symbol of Aloha.
What is the symbol of lei?
Lei are constructed of flowers, leaves, sea shells, seeds, nuts, feathers or even bones of various animals. A lei is a common symbol of love, friendship, celebration, honor or greeting. In essence, it is a symbol of Aloha. In ancient Hawaii, wearing a lei represented wealth, royalty and rank.
What are the different types of lei?
Each of the islands are represented by a different type of lei as designated below:
- Hawaii Island: Red (ohia lehua)
- Maui: Pink (lokelani)
- Kahoolawe: Gray or Silver (hinahina)
- Lanai: Orange (kaunaoa)
- Oahu: Yellow or Gold (ilima)
- Molokai: Green (kukui)
- Kauai: Purple (mokihana)
- Niihau: White (pupu o Niihau / Niihau shells)
Are leis offensive?
Open leis are worn with the middle of the lei hanging in the middle of the neck and the open ends evenly down the front. DO NOT refuse a lei when offered one. This is considered to be disrespectful. DO NOT wear a lei you intend to give to someone else.
What are Hawaiian flowers called?
yellow hibiscus
Hawaii’s official state flower is the yellow hibiscus (hibiscus brackenridgei), also known as the pua mao hau hele. In 1923, the territory of Hawaii named the hibiscus the official flower, but did not specify a variety, which led to some confusion.
What does a black lei mean?
You can get the lei from gift shops and most street-side vendors in Hawaii. This was not the case in ancient times, however, because only royalty were allowed to wear these lei made of sleek black nuts. It was a way to show the alii’s social status, as well as honor Lono, god of agriculture, peace and fertility.
How many flowers are in a lei?
50 flowers
A general rule is that each inch of lei requires about 1.25 flowers. So, if you want your lei to be 40” long, you will need at least 50 flowers.
What does a purple lei mean?
Purple, green, and white leis are often made from orchids. Orchid leis are given as a thank you or as a welcome to a visitor. Maile ti leaf leis symbolize appreciation, admiration, and respect. Ti leaf leis are often used as gifts for graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and even memorials.
What does a white lei mean?
Purple, green, and white leis are often made from orchids. Orchid leis are given as a thank you or as a welcome to a visitor. The lei can be saved indefinitely. White, Pink, or Red Carnation Leis. Leis that have white, pink, or red carnations are a symbol of love.
What flowers are used to make a Hawaian Lei?
Maile. Maile is a flowering plant that is often used in leis.
How do I keep my real flower lei fresh?
How to Care for Your Fresh Leis and Loose Orchid Blossoms Unpack your lei as soon as it arrives. If it seems a little dry, mist lightly with lukewarm water. Loose orchid blossoms should be misted lightly with lukewarm water and refrigerated in closed bag. Place your orchid lei or vine lei in a plastic bag – such as a grocery bag. Keep cool or refrigerate until it is to be worn.
Where can I find fresh flower leis?
Fresh Hawaiian leis embody the spirit of Hawaii and its traditions which can be found at Aloha Hawaiian Flowers and Gifts.
Where to buy a fresh lei?
Fresh flower leis can be purchased from online florists for special occasions such as graduations, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. Proper techniques must be employed once the lei arrives to keep it fresh and beautiful.
