May Day
May Day is celebrated in many ways around the world. Traditionally in Europe, May Day was meant to celebrate the beginning of summer. Traditions are different from country to country, often focusing around flowers. A commonly known tradition is setting up a May Pole, where people in costume dance around and adorn with flowers and ribbons.
Lei Day in Hawaii
If you have been lucky enough to visit Hawaii, you have likely been greeted by a beautiful flower garland, known as the lei, upon your arrival. As a Hawaii resident, lei is often used as a form of congratulations, welcoming, and good-bye. High school graduates usually are unable to see over their multiple lei adorned over their necks commemorating the happy occasion.
In 1928, writers from the local Honolulu newspaper, the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, came up with the idea of making May 1st Lei Day in Hawaii. The idea was to honor the tradition of giving and receiving lei. The idea was welcomed and the first Lei Day was a big success.
Today, May Day, or Lei Day, in Hawaii is honored by wearing or giving lei. Celebrations are held around the state. Parades and school-based celebrations are the most common ways to celebrate this holiday.
Modern May Day
Today, the most common way May Day is celebrated is at school celebrations. They bring together Hawaii tradition and symbolism. Each island of Hawaii is represented by the Royal Court in dance (hula), flower (pua) and song (mele). Often, a prince and princess will represent different islands, wearing the colors and flowers of that island. A King and Queen are often crowned to lead the Royal Court.
This year, my daughter had the distinct honor of being named May Day Queen for her school, Maui Preparatory Academy. The school has been blessed with teachers and community members that put a lot of time and effort into keeping these sacred traditions alive.
This year’s theme was Malama I Na Makana Makamae, Take care of our treasured places. My daughter danced a solo hula to the song, Aloha Ku’u Aina o Kauaula, carefully chosen to represent the area in Lahaina where we live.
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