Lei Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 08, 2022
Fact-checked by Sonali Rawat
It is interesting to learn about Lei Day.

Where is Lei Day celebrated?

This special day is celebrated across the various Hawaiian islands, on May 1, every year.

Who is Lei Day celebrated by?

The Lei is a very important part of the Hawaiian culture. Lei is typically a garland made out of various flowers like orchids and pikake, among many others. Therefore, May 1 is observed annually throughout the many islands of Hawaii and celebrated by the people of Hawaii.

When did Lei Day first start?

The first when this particular was celebrated was in the year 1927. Since then, every year, on May 1, Lei Day has been observed across the various parts of Hawaii.

Who started Lei Day?

The credits for establishing this special day on May 1 go to Don Blanding. Along with Grace Tower Warren (his co-worker), he decided on the date May 1 to establish this day. Since then, Lei Day has been widely celebrated.

History And Timelines

Leis are the epitome of love and joy. The flowers used in the making of leis differ across the various islands of Hawaii. For example, red pua lehua blossoms are used to make Lei in Hawai'i, also known as the Big Island. Similarly, on yet another island of Hawaii, seashells are used to make Lei instead of a flower.

Traditions And Customs

Leis are typically made out of a variety of flowers. The type of flower used in the islands also differs from each other. It was very common for a king or a queen to wear a Lei as a symbol of their royalty and rank back in the early days.

On this special day, you can see many schools and universities hosting events or festivities in honor of this day. Most of the activities of the event include Lei-making competitions and hula dancing. They are the epitome of the aloha spirit and a very integral part of the Hawaiian culture.

Ways To Celebrate Lei Day

On this special day, you can try to learn more about the culture of Hawaii, or you can even try listening to Hawaiian music. You can also try a hand in the art of Lei making yourself.

Facts And Stats

  • Lei is a garland made out of a variety of flowers, and the celebration on the day of the event has many beautiful Leis.
  • Many tourists join in on the celebration in this event and try making Leis.
  • On May 1, other than Lei Day, we also celebrate World Laughter Day and Global Love Day.

Tradition Of Gifting Leis

During this period, Lei vendors could be found across the pillars of the Aloha Tower. The visitors who arrived at the Hawaiian islands were welcomed with these garlands.

Early 1900s

First Lei Day Celebration

During this year, Lei Day was celebrated for the first time at the Bank of Hawai'i.

Early 1920s

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii

During this particular year, Ruth, along with Leonard 'Red' Hawk, composed this specific song, May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii.

1927

Official Recognition

Almost two years later, when the celebration of this particular day began in 1929, this day was officially declared on May 1.

1929

World's Longest Lei

This year, a lei whose length was 1626 m was made in Honolulu. To date, it remains the world's longest Lei.

2008

What is Hawaiian Lei Day?

Hawaiian Lei Day celebrates the unique cultures of the Hawaiian islands.

Why is May Day Lei Day?

Lei Day is primarily celebrated on May 1 across the various regions of Hawaii.

When did Lei Day start?

The first Lei Day celebration took place in the year 1927.

Is May 1 a Lei Day?

Yes, May 1 is celebrated as Lei Day.

Who encouraged the celebration of Lei Day?

Don Blanding, along with Grace Tower Warren, came up with the idea of this particular day.

What is the importance of celebrating Lei Day?

This day is celebrated in honor of the age-old tradition in Hawaii of gifting Lei.

What are some important facts about Lei Day?

This special day is a tribute to the iconic symbol of love, the Lei.

Who invented the concept of Lei Day?

It was Don Blanding who came up with the concept of Lei Day.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Friday, May 01, 2020
  • Saturday, May 01, 2021
  • Sunday, May 01, 2022
  • Monday, May 01, 2023
  • Wednesday, May 01, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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Fact-checked by Sonali Rawat

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Masters of Art specializing in English and Communication Skills

Sonali Rawat picture

Sonali RawatBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Masters of Art specializing in English and Communication Skills

Sonali has a Bachelor's degree in English literature from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and is currently pursuing a Master's in English and Communication from Christ University. With considerable experience in writing about lifestyle topics, including travel and health, she has a passion for Japanese culture, especially fashion, and anime, and has written on the subject before. Sonali has event managed a creative-writing festival and coordinated a student magazine at her university. Her favorite authors are Toni Morrison and Anita Desai.

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