Lei (garland) Lei (garland) Lei () is a garland or wreath. More loosely defined, a lei is any series of objects strung together with the intent to be worn. The most popular concept of a "lei" in Hawaiian culture is a wreath of flowers presented upon arriving or leaving as a symbol of affection. This concept was popularized through tourism between the Hawaiian Islands and the continental United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. Children and sweethearts are poetically referred to as "lei" and many ancient and modern songs and chants refer to this imagery. A lei can be given to
Lei (garland) scale-like effect. Bougainvillea "lei" and feather hat "lei" often are made with this method. Kui: pierce, piercing stitch. A method of making a "lei" by sewing or piercing the decorative material with a needle and stringing it onto a thread. This is probably the style with which most Westerners are familiar. This method is commonly used to string flowers such as plumeria, rose, carnation, etc. Wili: wind, twist, crank, coil. A corkscrew-type twist, as found in a pig's tail and the seed pod of the "wiliwili" tree. A method of making a "lei" by winding fiber around successive short lengths