Lei Day

As the first day of May dawns upon Hawaii, Lei Day bursts forth in a riot of color, fragrance, and festivity. Leis are garlands crafted from various flowers, leaves, and even shells, carrying significant cultural importance for the natives of the island state. Leis were brought by the Polynesians as they migrated eastward through the Pacific Islands before reaching Hawaii between 1000 and 1200 CE. They represent love, respect, and the ever-present aloha spirit, described as 'the coordination of mind and heart within each person.' Lei Day is an all-day fiesta that includes parades, pageants, lei-making contests, hula dances, and feasts.
Lei Day also marks the beginning of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by celebrating the AAPI community's contributions in the United States, with lei blossoms representing Hawaii's cultural diversity.
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