
May 1st of each year is "May Day" in Hawaii. The first May day was held on May 01, 1928 to commemorate a celebration of the making and giving of the lei (flower necklace).
A piece of Hawaii Information and Hawaii History: A poet/writer Don Blanding wrote in a local paper of his suggestion to commemorate the celebration of making and giving lei's. He also is credited with throwing the lei overboard the ship....if it returned ...so would you. Fellow Writer Grace Tower Warren came up with the idea of a May first celebration for this very suggestion. She is also credited with coming up with the slogan "May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii".
What a wonderful way to celebrate the Spirit of Aloha!
The following show I found on YouTube and I was so surprised to see a lei stand I know well! The two women shown stringing leis are mother and daughter and the stand is located on the corner of Maunakea and Pauahi Streets. Wonderful styles and prices!
Art of Lei. Tribute to Hawaiian Lei - Lei Day Honolulu
I couldn't find the song on video ...but here are the words to the song....
May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii.
May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii
Garlands of flowers everywhere
All of the colors in the rainbow
Maidens with blossoms in their hair
Flowers that mean we should be happy
Throwing aside a load of care
Oh, May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii
May Day is happy days out there
Have you been lei'd today?
Happy May Day!
Beautiful Sally. I love flowers and to be so beautifully presented in the lei is truly an art. Thank you