Leis, Flowers of Love and Friendship
There is no more traditional Hawaiian greeting than to have a fragrant, boldly colored lei placed around your neck, accompanied by a welcome kiss. Early Polynesian voyagers introduced the lei to Hawaii, and the distinctive color of each flower or vine has special meaning.
(Reference 1)
Lei of Peace
One of the most traditional leis is the green Maile vine. In ancient Hawaii, the Maile lei was a symbol of peace between two rival chiefs. Today, the fragrant Maile lei is a favorite for the groom to wear at weddings. (Ref. 2.)
New England Import
The carnation was introduced to Hawaii by missionaries in the 19th century. The full blossoms come in many colors: light red for admiration, a darker red for love, white for luck and pink for friendship. Leis made from carnations, especially the double strand, are full and fragrant.
(Reference 3)
The Flowers of Pele
The Hawaiian goddess of fire, Pele, is represented by the red Ohia blossom. It is also the official flower of the Big Island of Hawaii, Pele's current home. (Ref. 2.)
Oahu Aloha
The Puailima, or Ilima, flower comes in yellow, orange and a range of reds, from bright red to near brown. No matter the color, the flower is a symbol of love and of the island of Oahu. (Ref. 2.)
Leis for Luck
The green leaves of the ti plant are often woven into leis to chase away evil spirits and bring good luck to the wearer. (Res. 1.)
Fun Fact
It is traditional for pregnant women to wear open leis, so that the natural life force between the mother and her unborn child is not interrupted. Green Maile leis are a popular choice, but any lei can be made open-ended. (Res. 1.)
Tags: introduced Hawaii