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) of the decorative material. Sometimes base materials such as "hala", "lai", strands of raffia, or even strips of paper are used to make wrapping easier. Haku mele: to braid a song. A song composed out of affection for an individual is considered a "lei". "Lei" may be open or closed, depending on circumstance. These leis are traditionally constructed using natural foliage. Leis were originally worn by ancient Polynesians and some Asian people as part of custom. They were often used by Native Hawaiians to signify their ranks and royalty. They are also worn as a form of honor to each