Lei (garland) spam musubi are tied into garlands. "Non-traditional" materials such as cloth ribbon, sequins, cellophane wrap, curling ribbon, and yarn are often used to fashion leis in various forms today. Among residents of Hawaii, the most popular occasions at which nā lei can be found are birthdays, graduations, weddings, funerals, retirement parties, and bridal showers. It is not uncommon for a high school or college graduate to be seen wearing so many nā lei that they reach his or her ears or higher. On May 1 each year, Hawaiians celebrate "Lei Day", first conceived in 1927 by poet Don Blanding. At
Flowers Island to teach on the island. The seal hunt was very important to the economy of Newfoundland, especially for communities on the northeast. Sealing in Flowers Island really took off when the Kean family became sealing captains. The first boat on the island was built there by the Keans. The first Keans to become involved were Joseph and William with four vessels: "Shaver, Gleaner, Emerald, and Barbara." A new firm, William Kean and Brothers tool over on the island and had much success. In 1874 for example, they had a catch of 3,100 seals compared to their 1884 catch of 786.