Happy May Day & Lei Day!
“Wear a lei, give a lei” is the sentiment of the day!
Here is a little history on May Day…
In early 1928 writer and poet Don Blanding wrote an article in a local paper suggesting that a holiday be created centered around the Hawaiian custom of making and wearing lei. “So the bright idea I presented was, ‘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 believed 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. Lei day is so appropriately linked with the inner life of Hawai‘i that it should become an established ceremony…No heart but must beat softer and gentler under the floral chain upon its breast. It symbolizes the memory line between smiles and tears. It chants welcome and farewell. And it pleads with low-voiced eloquence to be remembered…having been born of love, the day should be immortal. Each year it should bloom as nature blooms in the springtime around the earth to make glad the heart of man. ‘Wear a lei give a lei’ was the pledge.” The day was made official in 1929 and now Lei Day is established as a State holiday.
It was fellow writer Grace Tower Warren who came up with the idea of a holiday on May 1 in conjunction with May Day. She is also responsible for the phrase, “May Day is Lei Day.”
The first Lei Day was held on May 1, 1928. In 1929, Lei Day was made an official holiday in the territory, a tradition which was interrupted only during the years of World War II, and which continues today.
So, Happy May Day and Lei Day, everyone!
