Lei Day May 1st

Historic City News reporters learned that, for over 80 years, today has marked a unique island holiday — Lei Day.

Officially founded by Don Blanding and Grace Tower Warren, Lei Day was made a holiday in 1929 — a tradition that continues to this date.

The most common Lei Day festivities are hula, lei making demonstrations and contests; culminating with the crowning of the Lei Queen and her court.

Hawaii’s Lei is the Lehua, made from blossoms of ‘Ohi’, a Lehua tree which grows on the slopes of the Volcano. Each island has its own Lei, traditional to each made with flowers, fruit and vines found on that island.

The record for the world’s longest Lei was set at the 81st celebration of Lei Day in 2008. Unofficially the Lei measured more than a mile in length.

So, for all our readers willing to go the extra mile for a Lei, Historic City News salutes you.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News archive photograph