A
lei is a collection of
flowers strung together to form a
necklace. The
lei has been around for a long time, most people associate the
lei with
Hawaii, but it is also used on other
Polynesian islands. It is believed to have come from explorers from the
South Pacifc to
Hawaii over a thousand years ago and were made from various items including flowers and bones.
This ring of flowers was often worn by farmers and pregnant mothers as it was considered to bring fertility. Now-a-days it is a symbol of friendship and is often given to tourists as they arrive on the polynesian islands. It is also used as a farewell gift.
They are commonly made of carnations, ginger blossoms, jasmine blossoms, or orchids.
Lei Day is a Hawaiian holiday celebrated on May 1st symbolizing their tradition of friendliness.