One of our parents is organizing a shipment of fresh Hawaiian leis in time for our 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony, purchasing and selling the leis as a personal enterprise. This is not a school-sponsored activity, but we wanted to share the information with our community for any who would like to participate in this tradition.
Each lei is $10.99. Orders must be received by Tuesday, May 24th. You can also donate a lei to a child with financial need.
To order, email Sree at [email protected]
Lei Etiquette
Leis are a common symbol of love, friendship, celebration, honor, or greeting. In other words, it is a symbol of Aloha. A lei can be worn, received, or given for almost any occasion. In Hawaii, a lei is given for an office promotion, a birthday, an anniversary, a graduation, or any special event. It is not unusual to see graduates piled so high with leis they can barely see.
There is one big faux pas that should never be made. Never refuse a lei! Always graciously accept the lei with a toothy smile and a kiss on the cheek. (If you don’t feel comfortable with giving or receiving a kiss on the cheek, a warm hug is acceptable!) If you are allergic or sensitive to flowers, then discreetly and apologetically slip off the lei. It is acceptable and considered a kind gesture to offer the lei to your spouse if you are unable to wear it.
Last, but not least, there is one more taboo…in Hawaii, it is considered impolite to give a closed (tied) lei to a pregnant woman. Many Hawaiians feel that a closed lei around the neck is bad luck for the unborn child. (Head Hakus and open-ended leis are acceptable to give to pregnant woman.)