How do you dispose of leis?
4 min read
Asked by: Bridgette Ghosh
A lei should never be thrown away in the trash as it is considered disrespectful. It is customary to return the lei to the earth. You can either remove the flowers from the string* and scatter them in the ocean, bury them or burn them. Or simply hang the lei on a door or window to dry it out.
Is it rude to take off a lei?
It is considered rude to remove your lei in the presence of the person who gave it to you. If you must remove it for practical reasons, it is polite to discreetly take it off and then hang it in a place of honor for all to see.
How long do Hawaiian leis last?
5-6 days
Orchid leis can last for up to 5-6 days when properly cared for. Do NOT store in freezer! It is important that they are not too hot or too cold. If a lei looks soft, you may sprinkle it with water, place in a ziploc bag or plastic bag and put back in the refrigerator to revive the flower.
What does a lei signify?
A lei is a common symbol of love, friendship, celebration, honor or greeting. In essence, it is a symbol of Aloha. In ancient Hawaii, wearing a lei represented wealth, royalty and rank. It is also associated with hula, religion and geography.
Can you take fresh leis out of Hawaii?
For questions or for more information, call the USDA office in Hawaii at (808) 834-3240 or (808) 834-3241. * Most fresh fruits and vegetables from Hawaii are not allowed to enter the continental United States due to the risk of introducing certain invasive plant pests and diseases.
Can you regift a lei?
Do NOT wear yourself a lei you intended to gift to someone else. That is considered bad luck. It is OK to re-gift a lei that was given to you, however.
What does a black lei mean?
You can get the lei from gift shops and most street-side vendors in Hawaii. This was not the case in ancient times, however, because only royalty were allowed to wear these lei made of sleek black nuts. It was a way to show the alii’s social status, as well as honor Lono, god of agriculture, peace and fertility.
Can you send leis to the mainland?
Aloha and Welcome to The Hawaiian Lei Company! We specialize in shipping fresh, vibrant Hawaiian flower leis and cut flowers to the Mainland! Located in beautiful Honolulu, our masterfully crafted Hawaiian leis are guaranteed to be shipped 100% fresh or your money back!
Can you take maile lei to the mainland?
A: White or yellow ginger, tuberose, maile or orchid lei are fine as long as they pass inspection, but any lei containing fresh botanical fruits, such as berries or hala (pandanus) fruit or citrus leaves, including pieces of mock orange leaves in between kukui nuts or other lei, are not allowed.
Can you preserve leis?
Long-Term Preservation
These special flowers don’t belong in the regular trash. Traditionally, they get dried and are either kept, burned, or scattered somewhere natural. To dry your lei, just hang it up in a dry, dark area with plenty of airflow.
Do you wear the lei during graduation?
Lei are also often used at graduation ceremonies and celebrations, and it’s common to see graduating seniors covered in lei made of candy, flowers, and money. Lee, for example, had her family and friends help her carry all her lei at her college graduation because she had more than could fit around her neck.
What do you say when you give someone a lei?
Lei Etiquette
- Always accept aloha: Because lei are considered a symbol of affection and aloha, you should never refuse lei. …
- How to wear lei: The proper way to wear lei is gently draped over the shoulders, hanging from both the front and back.
Why are leis given at graduation?
When a person gives someone a lei, it symbolizes their affection towards the other. Leis are commonly presented when someone is arriving and leaving, so it’s no surprise that leis are given to graduates as they are leaving school and arriving to this new stage of life.
How many orchids go in a lei?
Flowers: Orchids are ideal(about 100 orchid flowers for a standard lei.)
What does a kukui nut lei mean?
The Kukui Nut tree was a symbol of enlightenment, protection, guidance and peace, and its spiritual powers are still believed to flow through Hawaiian culture and its ceremonies. In 1959, the Kukui tree itself was made the official tree emblem for the state of Hawai’i. Kukui Nut trees are fairly easy to spot.
