In early 1928 writer and poet Don Blanding wrote an article in a local paper suggesting that a holiday be created centered around the Hawaiian custom of making and wearing lei. It was fellow writer Grace Tower Warren who came up with the idea of a holiday on May 1 in conjunction with May Day. She is also responsible for the phrase, "May Day is Lei Day."
The practice soon spread throughout the Islands, encompassing all facets of Hawaiian culture—hula, music, cultural demonstrations and lavish court processions. Still, lei has always remained at the heart of Hawaii May Day festivities.Have you ever worn a beautiful flowered lei? Inquiring minds want to know.
*I have to give credit to John Fischer who is a travel writer for this interesting information .
I learned something new today and what a lovely photo above. I have never had a lei, but they are so gorgeous! Hope you are enjoying your May Day!
ReplyDeleteI just love learning about different cultures. How interesting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMolly
Yes, I have had 3 wonderful vacations in Hawaii and worn a lei all 3 times. They smell wonderfully, but you would be surprised at how heavy they are!
ReplyDeleteI taught preschool a few years ago, and one of my little boys brought me one from his trip to Hawaii. It was so beautiful and smelled delicious! Thanks for stopping by the blog!
ReplyDeleteHi Joyce ~ I like your blog. It's all homey and smells good. [drool] I also learned something new today! I didn't know that there was a "Lei Day". I remember schools forcing us to celebrate May Day. And all this talking about food is making me hungry. "What's for supper tonight Granpa?" (ala Hee Haw) :o) My husband is a wonderful cook and I'm an accomplished eater. [giggle] Thanks for following my blog. I'll try not to be too boring. Have a wonderful day. God bless! Pamela (aka Sparky)
ReplyDeleteI have never had the honor. I remember seeing pictures of tourists departing planes and lovely ladies draping leis around their necks. Come to think of it, this just jogged my memory. I had a "Vue Master" as a kid, and one the reels was of Hawaii. Thanks for the memory Joyce!
ReplyDeleteOh how wonderful ,I never knew about Lei Day .
ReplyDeleteI went to Hawaii many years ago and I remember the Leis as we stepped down from the plane and another as we were getting into the taxi to go to the hotel. It was such a special time my Dad won a trip for 4 days 5 nights or something like that and it was quite a thrill for this farm girl .My first airplane ride,a new culture,the North Shore Surfers,The Pearl Harbor Memorial my Dad pointed out family names .Thank you for some warm fuzzy moments from long ago.Happy May Day ,and thanks for teaching me about Lei Day.
I've never worn a lei. Well, once at a party, I wore a plastic one, but I don't think that counts. Happy May Lei Day!
ReplyDeleteWow, I learned something today too. That's why I love visiting. And sadly, I've only worn the fake ones....one day hopefully I will visit the islands and wear a real one. ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy Day to you!!
♥ Teresa
I love Lei day! This is my first one... I had no idea. What an interesting thing to share today! Happy May Day :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I have worn a lei in Hawaii. They smell so good.....Christine
ReplyDeleteHi Joyce! Thanks for stopping by. I love your blog!
ReplyDeletexox
Yes I have worn a lei. They are so beautiful and wonderful, and the smell is just heavenly. Thanks for stopping by and leaving such gracous comments on my TT post. I really do appreciate it. I am so glad I found your blog, what a fun place. I've browsed through a couple of your posts and I can't wait to see more. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteJoyce, what a nice blog you have...Thank you for visiting my blog today...I'm short on time right now...but I will back for a another look...
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