It is considered rude to refuse the gift of a lei.
Leis have become synonymous in many peoples' minds with Hawaii. Early tourists to the islands were greeted by islanders bearing flowered leis, and in Hawaii they are worn at every festive situation, be it graduation, birthday or wedding. Hawaii also celebrates "Lei Day" every May 1.
History
The wearing of leis is a tradition that came to Hawaii with its earliest Polynesian settlers. In ancient times, leis were worn by people of rank and privilege.
Significance
Traditionally worn as a status symbol by royalty and elite, lei were used in religious ceremonies as well. For example, the Maile lei, a leafy, perfumed vine, was used as a token of peace between warring chiefs. Nowadays, giving a lei is considered a gesture of friendship.
Types
Leis can be closed (tied) or open, and are made of either flowers or leaves. Each of Hawaii's eight major islands has a specific flowered lei associated with it.
Etiquette
Leis are a gesture of friendship, so you should never refuse one. It is also rude to remove one that has been given to you while in the presence of the person who has given it to you. The website Pregancy-Info.net notes that giving a pregnant woman a lei is considered to be bad luck, as it is thought to foretell an umbilical cord wrapped around the unborn child's neck.
Fun Fact
Traditionally, used leis are returned to the earth. Boat tourists in the mid 1900s would throw their leis over the side of the boat into the water while departing the islands.
Tags: gesture friendship