May Day is Lei Day – are you ready?

It’s no secret that my favorite place is Hawaii. I love the history, the customs, and so much more. Sadly, many Hawaiian customs were almost lost after Hawaii’s monarchy was forcefully overthrown by American businessmen in 1893 . But the will of the Hawaiian people was strong. As a result, 35 years after that overthrow, locals became interested in celebrating their history. That interest led to the creation of Lei Day. Now, decades later, May Day is Lei Day—a way to honor the artistry and the culture the lei represents.

Where It All Began

The story of Lei Day begins in the 1920s, a time when Hawaiian culture faced challenges from modernization and colonial influences. Many native traditions suffered under U.S. rule, and the growing tourism industry often romanticized Hawaiian culture in ways that felt distant from its true roots. It was during this time of cultural flux that Don Blanding, a poet and writer enchanted by Hawaii’s natural beauty and traditions, conceived the idea of a day dedicated to the lei.

By the way, even the use of the word lei was commercialized to make the plural form ‘leis’ when the traditional form is ‘lei’. In any case, Blanding noticed how lei were an everyday expression of aloha, worn to celebrate love, friendship, and even farewells. He proposed the idea of Lei Day in a column for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, suggesting it could become a cultural celebration for all Hawaiians and visitors to enjoy. Inspired by his vision, columnist Grace Tower Warren added an important touch to the inaugural event in 1928, coining the slogan, “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii.” This catchy phrase ensured the day would live in the hearts and minds of Hawaiians for generations to come.

The First Celebration

On May 1, 1928, Honolulu celebrated Lei Day with vibrant festivities in a public park. The gathering featured lei-making competitions, traditional Hawaiian music, and hula performances. People of all ages came together, draped in fragrant garlands made of plumerias, pikake, ti leaves, and other local plants. A Lei Day Queen was crowned, symbolizing the beauty, strength, and aloha of Hawaiian culture.

The inaugural celebration set the stage for what would become one of the most cherished events in Hawaii. It was not just a day of honoring lei but a revival of Hawaiian traditions and a reaffirmation of cultural pride during a complex historical moment.

The Cultural Significance of the Lei

To understand the heart of Lei Day, it’s important to recognize the significance of the lei in Hawaiian life. A lei is more than just a floral decoration; it is a symbol of connection, love, and respect. Lei are used to mark important occasions, from welcoming guests to honoring loved ones at weddings, graduations, and funerals. Each lei tells a story through its materials, craftsmanship, and the emotions it conveys.

By dedicating a day to the lei, Hawaii created a platform for celebrating the deeper meaning behind the custom. Lei Day became a way to educate others about Hawaiian culture while creating a sense of unity and pride for those who call the islands home.

Lei Day Through the Years

Since its inception, Lei Day has grown and evolved while staying true to its roots. What began as a small Honolulu event is now celebrated statewide, with each island putting its own stamp on the festivities.

One of the most iconic Lei Day traditions is the Lei Contest in Honolulu, held at Kapiolani Park in Honolulu. Artisans spend hours creating intricate and beautiful lei from flowers, seeds, feathers, shells, and even kukui nuts. Judging is based on creativity, craftsmanship, and adherence to traditional styles. Meanwhile, dancers perform the hula, and musicians fill the air with the melodies of ukuleles and steel guitars.

Another cherished event is the crowning of the Lei Day Queen and her court. Women representing aloha and beauty are chosen to preside over the festivities, perpetuating the early tradition established almost 100 years ago..

Honoring a Living Tradition

Lei Day is not merely a celebration of the past; it is a living tradition that continues to evolve. It’s a beautiful way to connect with Hawaii’s culture no matter where you are. Imagine the fragrance of tuberose and jasmine in the air, the sway of hula dancers telling stories with their hands, and the warmth of the aloha spirit shared with every lei gifted.

Although times have changed since Don Blanding first imagined Lei Day, the meaning behind the event remains the same. It is a day to celebrate the richness of Hawaiian culture, the bonds that unite us, and the simple yet profound joy of giving and receiving a lei.

Whether you’re on a sandy beach in Hawaii or thousands of miles away, I hope you feel the aloha during next week’s Lei Day!

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