Hawaiian Lei Flowers - History Of Lei, Symbolism And Meanings Of Lei Flowers

The history of Hawaiian lei is interesting. Traditionally, flowers and leaves were not the only things used to make Hawaiian lei. Hawaiians also used shells, seeds, fruits, feathers, hair, ivory, even teeth and bones of animals to make the lei.  The feather and shell lei from old times can be seen at the Bishop museum at Oahu. Even today, shells and feathers are used along with flowers and leaves to make the lei.

Lei  is considered as a symbol of Aloha in Hawaii which means peace, love, affection, friendship and respect. Lei is used in Hawaii from a long time even by opposition parties as a sign of peace and harmony.

Lei was introduced to Hawaiians by Polynesians, who loved decorations with strings of flowers. During their voyage to Hawaii around the 12th century, Polynesian voyagers brought the lei along with many other things like new plants, food items and even medicines. As many of the voyagers settled in Hawaii, the beautiful lei also became a part of the Hawaiian culture due to the cultural influence. Hawaii became a popular tourist destination from around late 1800's and the Hawaiian lei also started becoming popular from that time, with the street vendors selling lei to the tourists.

From the year 1928, May 1st is celebrated as the Lei day in the Hawaiian islands. Hawaiians exchange and gift beautiful lei  on this day and they celebrate the day all around the islands including schools.

To read more about frangipani or plumeria lei flowers check out my blog here.

Lei made with each kind of flower has a specific meaning, even though many are not aware about this. For example, lei made of orchid flowers are usually used to welcome and greet new visitors to Hawaii and they are also used to convey thanks.

Plumeria lei are also very widely used to welcome visitors, however it is not a good choice to greet those who are sick, since there is a belief that plumeria lei are not good during sickness.

Jasmine or pikake lei is a great choice to be used for weddings, as they represent love, affection and harmony. Usually red and pink roses are also used along with pikake lei. It looks like lei made of roses alone are not very common, and I am surprised why. Lei made of a kind of leaves called Maile lei are used by the hula dancers as they associate it with the goddess of dance.

Lehua is the official flower used in Hawaiian leis, and it is associated with strength as they represent Pele the goddess of fire.

These flowers were traditionally used by women to reduce labor pain. There is a belief that lehua are the first flowers that come after a volcanic eruption.

Here is a beautiful flower lei light set which is 9 feet long and has 50 lights. The flower covers are made of silk and it will look great on Hawaiian Luau party celebrations.