Wednesday, Mar 10th, 2010

Traditions — April 30, 2009 23:58 — Comments Written by: NEENZ

May Day is Lei Day and Thriving

On May 1st of last year, the residents of Oahu set a world record by stringing a lei that measured 5,336 feet long. May Day is more commonly known in Hawaii as “Lei Day” therefore making the hand-picked garland of flowers feat all the more sweeter.

In 1927, American poet and Honolulu Star-Bulletin columnist, Don Blanding had an idea and a sense of humor, as he put it, “not that it gave me a headache.” Blanding pitched the editors of Hawaii’s second largest newspaper the following,

“Why not have a Lei Day?” Let everyone wear a lei and give a lei. Let it be a day of general rejoicing over the fact that one lived in a Paradise. Let it be a day for remembering old friends, renewing neglected contacts, with the slogan “Aloha,” allowing that flexible word to mean friendliness on that day.” – HawaiiHistory.org

Two years after its inagural celebration, Lei Day became an official holiday. More than 80 years later, Lei Day is celebrated in forms of lei making competitions, concerts, and most importantly the practice of giving lei to others.

NEENZANDKEVIN1988001 May Day is Lei Day and Thriving

Around the State, children will adorn their schools with the different types of lei with fauna and flora setting the stage for hula and other cultural dances and performances. Here is a list of activities throughout the islands open to the public:

The Aloha Spirit is alive and well and thriving outside of the isles. Here’s a list of activities in other states:

Did we miss your event? If so, please leave a comment below.

May Day is Lei Day is Hawaii, but you can be anywhere in the world to celebrate the joy of giving.

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  • Johanna, word association guarantees that every May Day I will think of your Ray! Did you see: http://www.hawaiitraditions.info/2009/05/07/sha...
  • We got our dog from a shelter and didn't know his birthdate but about a month ago he had some x-rays and the doctor told us he was 11 months old. That meant his birthday was around the 1st of May. And did I mention his name is Ray? So May Day = Lei Day = Ray Day. :-) And yes, he wore a lei for his birthday.
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