The History of Getting Lei’d

By Jaime Tavarez

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- “I got lei’d in Hawaii” proclaim tourists as they make their way back to the big land. Hawaiians have been getting lei’d for centuries and have been perfecting them ever since, but it’s not the only thing they have to offer. Through their rich history, Hawaiians have established their culture, right along that of Uncle Sam.

White and purple kissed Orchids are the most common flowers used to make the beautiful wreaths of appreciation. While it may seem like just a decorative gift, the lei has a lot of meaning and history to the Hawaiian culture.

“They’re a symbol of love and friendship,” said Jennie Zhou, President of Hui ‘O Hawai’i, a Hawaiian student organization at Colorado State University.

And there are rules that come with wearing them.

“You should never refuse to wear a lei, or take it off in public, especially if it’s in front of the person who gave it to you.”

They’re symbols of love, of a spiritual meaning or connection, of healing, and of respect. There are many references to leis, being symbolic of the circle of a family.

“It’s something we’ve done together. They’re not made just for fun, but in appreciation to the person your giving it to,” Zhou said.

Leis first became popular during the “Boat Days” of the early 1900s. This was when ocean liners first started arriving in Hawaii and local residents would gather at the pier to greet the visitors, offer to sell them a lei, and provide musical entertainment. Hawaiians have kept with this tradition and still greet most visitors this way.

Though leis are the most common symbol for Hawaii, Luaus are becoming a common past time for most Americans.

The Hawaiian luau history dates back to ancient Hawaii. It was a strong religious belief that men and women ate their meals separately as well as eating different types of food. Hawaiians were forbidden to eat certain items that were considered delicacies, which was for royalty only.

However, in 1819 King Kamehameha II abolished these traditional religious practices. As a final end to this practice, he ordered a feast of delicacies and sat down and ate with the women and commoners. This was the first Luau.

“Lots of people think that a Luau is just a big party with no meaning, but back in the day our ancestors went through a lot of prejudices within our own community, and the Luau is just a celebration of the end of all that.”

“Hawaiian culture is so rich and most people don't even know how significant wearing a lei or planning a luau really is all about,” Zhou said.

Culture is something very personal. It’s the flavor in the ever melting pot of America. So as we try to develop an appreciation for different cultures, the only message to get is the history itself.

Wearing a lei is not to appreciate the beauty of the wreaths, but the person. A luau is not a college theme party on the weekends, but a celebration of an end to civil prejudices.

So remember the history and appreciate getting lei’d, especially in Hawaii.