Of course you want to share Aloha with those you cherish. In Hawaii, aloha means love or warm affection. And one of the best ways to share it with someone is by giving an aloha symbol.
How do you do that? One of the most popular ways to share aloha is to share a lei.
When you give the gift of a lei in Hawaii, you are sharing more than just an aloha symbol – you are giving a part of yourself.
A sign of deep affection for the recipient, lei are presented upon greeting a loved one from distant lands. Locally, lei are presented for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, births, retirements, and funerals.
My Encounter With The Symbol of Aloha
Sunday we picked my folks up from the airport and, as is local tradition, our arms were draped with lei (the word “lei” means both one floral garland or many).
While waiting outside the airport, Mom and I couldn’t help but notice a couple at the curbside. The woman ran to the car, and her partner draped a beautiful plumeria lei around her neck. I hadn’t seen one that large before and wondered about its origin.
They embraced for a good five minutes, gazing into each other’s eyes between kisses and hugs. It was beautiful to witness.
She came breezing by, and I remarked that her lei was very beautiful. She said her husband had made it for her from a plumeria tree in their yard. How about that for an aloha symbol?
In Polynesian cultures, a lei is lovingly created with the intent to decorate a person for an emotional reason. His love was apparent when he presented her with the lei, her gratitude was apparent upon receiving it. The aloha spirit personified; all of us the better for witnessing it.
How to Share Aloha
There are companies on all of the islands with representatives who come to the airport and present lei to visitors. You can also find lei along roadside stands and at luau. I highly recommend getting a lei when on your Hawaii vacation.
The beauty and aroma of fresh, colorful flowers are a delight, sealing your visit firmly in your memories by invoking all of your senses. The cool delicate touch of the flowers draped over your neck is refreshing. And, you feel really special wearing a symbol of aloha.
Custom dictates that lei should never be casually thrown away because it represents throwing away the love of the giver. Instead, these fragile works of art can be returned to the earth. Set it afloat in the ocean or drape it on a tree under a moonlit night. The beauty and fragrance will brighten anyone’s day who stumbles upon this respected token of love.
Learn more about what to do with old leis here.
A Favorite Aloha Symbol
There are lots of ways to share aloha while in Hawaii. You can (and should!) show kindness to someone or act respectfully toward nature.
And you can also share one of our favorite symbols of aloha: a lei. A strand of flowers that say so much.
