In Hawaii, Lei are popular gifts to celebrate outstanding accomplishments and milestones such as graduation. This time-honored practice reflects Hawaiian culture, and it’s spread to other parts of the world where families and friends want to celebrate the academic achievements of their loved ones. In the following guide, find out more about how this tradition began and evolved and what some of the most popular styles of graduation leis are.
What Are Graduation Lei?
A Lei is any assemblage of items strung together for use as a necklace or garland. The best-known ones consist of flowers and became known to the world as the Kingdom of Hawaii established connections throughout the 19th century. From then on, travelers became aware of the islands’ traditional culture.
One aspect of the changes to Hawaiian society in the 1800s was the introduction of formal schooling. Like those in the mainland United States and elsewhere, families in Hawaii wanted to celebrate their children’s accomplishments in graduating from high schools and universities.
They adapted the traditional floral assemblage as a commemorative item for this important milestone. As a result, graduation Lei recognize a graduate’s achievements and symbolize wishes of good luck and fortune in a loved one’s further education or career.
What Are Common Types of Graduation Lei?
As in many other life events, garlands made from traditional lei flowers, such as orchids, tuberose, and ginger blossoms, are the most popular for male and female graduates. One or two strands of these bright blossoms can add a festive, colorful aspect to any ceremony.
Alternatively, graduates may prefer to wear ti or maile leis that are made from native Hawaiian greenery. Other favorite types include kukui nut or cigar options, which are made from collections of hundreds of red and orange cylindrical Cuphea ignea flowers. Finally, Lei Po'o, worn around the head is a very popular addition to any graduate!
For grads who have a sweet (or sour!) tooth, our edible gummi lei in various flavors such as li hing mui are popular options too.
