National Lei Day is a day to celebrate the lei, a traditional Hawaiian necklace of flowers or other natural materials. Leis are worn by people of all ages and genders in Hawaii, and they are given as gifts to express love, friendship, and appreciation. National Lei Day is celebrated on November 11th each year.
The annual commemoration of National Lei Day on November 11 brings forth the celebration of a beautiful and culturally significant item—the lei. This exquisite adornment, known by the gender-neutral name ‘lei,’ encapsulates a rich heritage blending Chinese and Hawaiian roots.
- Related: National Isabelle Day
History of National Lei Day
The first Lei Day was celebrated on May 1, 1927, in Honolulu, Hawaii. The event was organized by the Honolulu Advertiser newspaper, and it was designed to promote Hawaiian culture and tourism. The event was a success, and it quickly became an annual tradition.
In 1929, the Hawaii Territorial Legislature designated May 1st as Lei Day. The holiday was made official in 1931, when Governor Lawrence Judd signed a bill into law.
Beyond its floral elegance, Lei has deep roots in Chinese history as it is the romanization of the Chinese surname ‘雷,’ a notable name listed in the “Hundred Family Surnames” or “Bai Jia Xing,” a revered compilation in traditional Chinese culture. Legend traces the name’s origin to Lei Zu, the esteemed principal wife of Emperor Huang Di, making her the first woman to earn the title of empress.
National Lei Day Activities
There are many ways to celebrate National Lei Day. Here are a few ideas:
Wear a lei. Leis can be made from a variety of materials, including flowers, leaves, and shells. You can find leis at most flower shops and gift stores in Hawaii.
Give a lei to a friend or loved one. Leis are a beautiful and meaningful way to show someone that you care.
Attend a Lei Day event. There are many Lei Day events held throughout Hawaii on November 11th. These events typically include lei making demonstrations, lei contests, and live music.
Learn about the history and culture of the lei. The lei is an important part of Hawaiian culture. You can learn more about the lei by visiting a museum or cultural center, or by reading books and articles about the subject.
National Lei Day Quotes, Wishes, and Messages
“May your day be filled with the aloha spirit and the beauty of the lei.”
“Happy Lei Day! May your day be as fragrant and colorful as a fresh lei.”
“Wear your lei with pride on Lei Day. It is a symbol of the Hawaiian culture and the aloha spirit.”
“Lei Day is a time to celebrate the beauty of nature and the aloha spirit.”
“May your Lei Day be filled with love, laughter, and leis.”
“Wishing you a happy and lei-filled Lei Day!”
“May your Lei Day be as bright and beautiful as a Hawaiian rainbow.”
“Happy Lei Day! May your day be filled with the aloha spirit and the beauty of the islands.”
“Lei Day is a time to celebrate the Hawaiian culture and the spirit of aloha.”
“May your Lei Day be filled with the aloha spirit and the joy of friendship.”
“Happy Lei Day! May your day be filled with the beauty of nature and the warmth of the Hawaiian sun.”
National Lei Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
| 2023 | November 11 | Saturday |
| 2024 | November 11 | Monday |
| 2025 | November 11 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | November 11 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | November 11 | Thursday |
FAQs
What is National Lei Day?
National Lei Day is a day to celebrate the lei, a traditional Hawaiian necklace of flowers or other natural materials. Leis are worn by people of all ages and genders in Hawaii, and they are given as gifts to express love, friendship, and appreciation. National Lei Day is celebrated on November 11th each year.
When is National Lei Day?
National Lei Day is celebrated on November 11th each year.
Conclusion
National Lei Day is a special day to celebrate the lei, a symbol of the Hawaiian culture and the aloha spirit. There are many ways to celebrate National Lei Day, including wearing a lei, giving a lei to a friend or loved one, attending a Lei Day event, and learning about the history and culture of the lei.