Recently when I was visiting Oahu and staying in an absolutely wonderful Kailua Vacation Rental and still immersed in the wonderful fragrance of the plumeria lei I had been given at the airport, I decide I wanted to learn more about the Hawaiian lei, such a wonderful tradition that made me feel so welcome upon my arrival.
It turns out that in ancient Hawaii, respect and honor was bestowed upon someone by placing a Hawaiian lei upon their head and shoulders, which are considered sacred parts of the body.
Ancient Hawaiians utilized various materials for lei. These lei materials included ferns, flowers, seeds, vines, feathers, nuts,shells and even teeth. Lei were often made to pay tribute to the gods, and also to show reverence and give thanks.
Many introduced species began to be utilized for making lei after Western contact. The missionaries brought roses, and the Chinese brought pikake (Arabian jasmine) as well as pakalana (Chinese violet).
