Celebrating Aloha Through Tradition and Intentional Giving
In Hawai‘i, May 1 is not just the first day of a new month. It is Lei Day! A celebration of “Aloha”, of presence, of giving without expectation. It is a day that reminds us that beauty is not something we consume. It is something we offer.
The Origin of Lei Day
The tradition of Lei Day began in 1927 when poet Don Blanding, who was living in Honolulu at the time, suggested the idea in a newspaper article. He envisioned a day dedicated to the Hawaiian custom of making and wearing leis, honoring the beauty and cultural significance behind them. His idea resonated, and fellow writer Grace Tower Warren supported it by suggesting the now-iconic phrase:
“May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i.”
The first Lei Day was celebrated on May 1, 1927, in downtown Honolulu with hula performances, music, and lei-making demonstrations. The event grew in popularity and cultural importance so quickly that by 1929, it was officially recognized as a statewide holiday. Schools, community centers, and parks across the islands began to host celebrations, making Lei Day a living tradition that continues to evolve while honoring its roots.
The Meaning of the Lei
A lei is not merely a garland of flowers. It is a symbol of aloha – love, compassion, peace, and mutual respect. In Hawaiian culture, aloha is more than a greeting. It is a way of living and treating one another with kindness and reverence. To give a lei is to extend that spirit through beauty and presence.
Each lei carries its own meaning based on the materials used, the person who gives it, and the moment it represents. Some leis are made of flowers, others of shells, feathers, seeds, or even leaves. What unites them is the intention behind the act of giving. To place a lei around someone’s neck is to say, “I see you. I honor you. I offer you this moment.” It is an exchange rooted in emotion, often passed without words.
Leis are given to mark significant moments: greetings, farewells, graduations, weddings, and other milestones. Each island has its own designated flower and color for the lei, reflecting the diversity and unity of the Hawaiian Islands. A lei is not disposable. It is meant to be worn with pride, cared for, and eventually returned to nature with reverence.
Why Lei Day Resonates with Voulay
At Voulay, we believe in the power of intentional giving. A lei is a perfect embodiment of this, a handcrafted expression of care, offered without the need for recognition. It is generosity made visible, but not performative. It is the kind of act that lives in the heart, not just in the moment.
Much like a lei, our Living Discounts are meant to be shared with care. They are passed from person to person not to prove value, but to create it. They build community through connection and beauty through purpose.
Lei Day is not only a celebration of Hawaiian tradition. It is a celebration of aloha itself. It is a reminder that relationships matter more than transactions, and that the most lasting impressions are made through thoughtful, human-centered gestures.
This is the same philosophy that shapes how we build at Voulay. With care. With presence. With people in mind.
An Invitation
This Lei Day, we invite you to reflect on the ways you can offer your own version of a lei. It might be a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or simply being present for someone. These acts, though small, weave the fabric of a compassionate community.
If you have ever been moved by a quiet moment of care, this is your chance to pass it forward. Make space. Make time. Choose to give with no expectation. A simple note. A smile. A gift that carries meaning, not marketing.
Let’s celebrate the spirit of Lei Day by embracing the practice of giving with intention and heart.
May (pun fully intended) the spirit of this beautiful day continue in every way, every day.
Sources:
** All cultural and historical information has been adapted from publicly available sources and written with respect for the traditions and language of Hawai‘i.