lei, a garland or necklace of flowers given in Hawaii as a token of welcome or farewell. Leis are most commonly made of carnations, kika blossoms, ginger blossoms, jasmine blossoms, or orchids and are usually about 18 inches (46 cm) long. They are bestowed with a kiss as a sign of hospitality.
What does Hawaiian necklace mean?
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. It is also associated with hula, religion and geography.
Is it offensive to wear a lei?
Any lei is appropriate to use because all leis symbolize love, respect and appreciation.
What is the meaning of a kukui nut lei?
enlightenment, protection
The Kukui Nut tree was a symbol of enlightenment, protection, guidance and peace, and its spiritual powers are still believed to flow through Hawaiian culture and its ceremonies. In 1959, the Kukui tree itself was made the official tree emblem for the state of Hawai’i.
What is the meaning of the Hawaiian hook?
Regarded as a symbol for safe passage over water, the makau, or fishhook, brings good fortune and strength to those who wear it. Also used as OluKai’s logo, the makau has held deep cultural significance in Hawai’i and throughout the Polynesian Triangle for over a millennium.
How do you give someone a lei?
Traditionally, a Hawaiian lei is presented to another by gently placing it around their neck, accompanied by a kiss on the cheek. One can also bow slightly, holding the lei just above their heart, welcoming the recipient to take the lei and place it around their own neck.
Can I bring a lei back from Hawaii?
It is also nice to take it home as a memento of your amazing Hawaiian vacation. So you might be wondering, can I bring flower leis home from Hawaii? The answer is yes.
Do you still get a lei when you land in Hawaii?
Arrange a traditional lei greeting for your arrival at the airport on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island of Hawaii! Your friendly island greeter will welcome you with a warm “aloha” and present you with a beautiful fresh flower lei – a symbol of aloha, welcome and love in Hawaii.
What does throwing a lei on the water mean?
Throwing a Lei
Another way to honor the deceased is to throw the lei into the ocean* in remembrance of the person who has passed. Sometimes, the flowers are taken from the lei and the loose flowers are scattered across the water to honor the departed person. *String is not bio-degradable.
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.
Are kukui nuts good luck?
The shells are hollowed, fried, polished, painted and strung together in a tradtion as old as the islands themselves. Once worn by the reigning chiefs and kinds of Polyneisa, these Kukui Nut accessories are now worn by all as a symbol of good luck.
What does the kukui look like?
Kukui is a very distinctive tree that is easily recognized in Hawaiian forests. Its large, pale-green leaves are of a color like no other tree and they can be recognized from great distances. Kukui are most common in lowland, windward valley bottoms where they tend to form dense groves. Large trees can grow to 80 ft.
What does the hook necklace symbolize?
In Hawaiian jewelry, the pendant symbolizes energy, prosperity, and strength. Tradition also says that the Maui hook necklace brings its wearer good luck and the safe passage over water. The hei matau is also known as the Maori fish hook necklace and is said to bring the wearer the same qualities as the Makau.
What is the Maui Hook called?
The curve of Cape Kidnappers / Te Kauwae-a-Māui represents the hook, and is also known as Te Matau-a-Māui (Māui’s fish hook).
What is the Maori hook called?
hei matau
A hei matau is a bone or greenstone carving in the shape of a highly stylised fish hook. They represent good luck and safe travel across water.
What do different colored leis mean?
There are no official meanings of the different colors of Hawaiian leis, but there are some types of leis that are commonly given for certain occasions. Meanings of the leis are often based on the material as opposed to color. Purple, green, and white leis are often made from orchids.
How long does a lei last?
During busy times of the year or for particularly large orders we often bring our lei in on Fridays and Saturdays as well. How long do they last? All flowers differ, but generally they will last three to four days in the refrigerator.
What can’t you bring into Hawaii?
RESTRICTED OR PROHIBITED ITEMS:
- Pineapple and bromeliad plants and fruits.
- Passion fruit plants and seeds.
- Cruciferous root vegetables (radish, turnip, daikon, horseradish, rutabaga)
- Corn on the cob.
- Citrus and pulpy fruits from Florida & Puerto Rico.
- Taro and dasheen.
- Coconuts.
What can’t you bring back from Hawaii?
Common Items from Hawaii NOT ALLOWED into the U.S. Mainland or Alaska
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, some exceptions are those listed below as permitted.
- Berries of any kind, including fresh coffee berries and sea grapes.
- Cactus plants or cactus plant parts.
- Cotton and cotton bolls.
- Fresh flowers of jade vine, and Mauna Loa.
Can I take a pineapple home from Hawaii?
For the most part, we will accept one pre-packaged box of pineapples or treated papayas, per paid passenger, free of charge (subject to space availability) on flights departing from Hawaii to the North America. The box must not exceed 10 lbs in weight and must be pre-agriculture inspected.
How much does it cost to get lei in Hawaii?
It will cost between $35-$50 per person
Prepare for lei greetings to cost anywhere from $35 to $50 per person, depending on where you book. This price reflects not only the cost of the lei but also the labor of your greeter! If you want a deluxe lei or a lei made of kukui nuts, this may change the price as well.