At commencement time, new graduates don their decorated caps and gowns, waving diplomas as they smile for photos. But many graduates also wear lei — made from flowers, candies, or ribbons around their necks — as congratulations from family and friends.
Gifting and wearing a lei is a now ubiquitous tradition during graduations and other special occasions, including birthdays, weddings and even funerals. But where did the colorful, eye-catching garland come from, and what does receiving and wearing it actually mean?
With its roots in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture, a lei refers to a series of strung-together objects — most commonly fresh flowers, but can also be made of leaves, braided ribbons, nuts, candy, shells, or even folded money — that are meant to be worn around the neck.
Graduate Theresa Pisona Malaga, center, is weighed down with lei and a giant money hat as she is photographed with family following the Loara High School graduation ceremonies in Handel Stadium at Western High School in Anaheim on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Graduate Yostena Getachew is draped in lei as she takes a photo with her dad and aunt following the Savanna High School graduation in Anaheim, CA on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Brenda Calderon, left, places a flower lei around the neck of her sister Kalla Velasquez, and California State University San Bernardino graduate, following the Spring 2023 Commencement at Toyota Arena in Ontario on Friday, May. 19, 2023. The commencement was the first of 5 to be held at the arena this weekend by the university. Approximately 3,500 students in all will receive Master and Bachelor of Arts degrees. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Kylie Phois all smiles as she gets covered in lei after the Bolsa Grande High School graduation ceremony in Garden Grove, CA, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Cal Poly College of Business Administration graduate Joseph Guerrero, center, receives a pair of leis from his cousins Melissa Nieves, left, and Priscilla Illingworth prior to the university’s 67th Commencement Ceremonies in Pomona on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Graduate Isaiah Pantoja wears several lei following the Savanna High School graduation in Anaheim, CA on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Graduate Theresa Pisona Malaga, center, is weighed down with leis and giant money hat as she is photographed with family following the Loara High School graduation ceremonies in Handel Stadium at Western High School in Anaheim on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Graduate America Urbalejo dances to a band following the Savanna High School graduation in Anaheim, CA on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Graduate Alisanderia Selefuti can barely see past leis of money and candy following the Westminster High School graduation ceremony in Westminster on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Marica Palma makes a white double orchid lei at Walteria Flowers in Torrance on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The graduation leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture is very popular for graduations. The shop sells leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Graduate Courtney Yada, left, gets assistance with her lei from sister Christine and mother Joyce Yada, center, after the Beckman High School graduation ceremonies at Northrup Stadium on the Tustin High School campus in Tustin on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Samara Suafo’a, a professor and assistant director of the Department of Teacher Education at Claremont Graduate University, said that in Hawaii, lei were historically regarded as a symbol of rank, wealth and royalty.
“Because traditional lei are made from elements of the land (i.e. flowers, leaves, vines, shells, etc.) they were also a way for Native Hawaiians to honor and pay homage to their gods,” Suafo’a, who grew up in Honolulu, said.
She distinguished the lei garland itself from the act of gifting or receiving a lei, especially one that’s been handmade. The tradition is rooted in acts of service; recognizing that one’s personal achievements are “never just about you, but rather about those who paved the way for you and those who will follow.”
“What a beautiful extension of love and support. Seriously, when is the last time someone made something for you, with their own hands, that came straight from the land?” Suafo’a said. “To me, lei are the ultimate way of saying to the receiver, ‘I may not have much to offer in the form of monetary gifts or material things. But I’m here and I took the time to make this for you.’ Lei are the truest form of aloha.”
While lei are believed to have originated with the Hawaiians, many Asian Pacific Islander and Oceanic cultures also practice their own lei-making, giving and receiving customs.
The community is tight-knit, all valuing the tradition behind the lei, she said. For many Pacific cultures, wearing certain lei styles and colors signifies a person’s ranking. For example, a monarch or chief could wear a feather lei design. The materials — resources from the earth that people had access to — all vary, from sea shells and ti leaves, to kukui nuts and small animal bones.
Though customs differ, lei should also be adorned a certain way, “not as decoration or an accessory piece,” Heleloa said. Typically, the gifter — who either makes or purchases the lei — places it over the receiver’s head, so that person must bow their head slightly, and the lei is worn draped half in front of the chest and half down the back. Refusing to wear a lei is a show of disrespect.
Heleloa graduated in May from USC with a Master’s degree in hospitality — proudly wearing a handmade lei po’o around her graduation cap.
Wearing lei is “not about status. It’s to recognize one’s achievements, and it’s about love,” she said. “There’s a lot of mana, or strength and power, that goes into both lei-making and receiving. It’s your way of sharing love, respect, kindness, and a bit of you with that person.”
Teresa Lopez, a marketing major, and her sister in law Dulce Ramirez at California State University, Northridge on May 22, 2023 (Carolyn Burt, SCNG)
Cal Poly Pomona graduate Adrianne Manapat with her daughter, 7-year-old Aurelia, at Manapat’s graduation ceremony on May 22, 2023. (Courtesy of Adrianne Manapat)
Heather Heleloa, right, from Mission Viejo, graduated in May with her Master of Science in Hospitality from USC. She wears a traditional lei po’o, gifted by family. (Courtesy of Stella Kalinina)
Christian Alvarado and his girlfriend after Alvarado’s graduation from Cal State Dominguez Hills on Saturday, May 20. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
A handmade origami butterfly made out of a dollar bill attached to a lei Floral lei at California State University, Northridge’s commencement on May 22, 2023 (Carolyn Burt, SCNG)
Teresa Lopez receives a handmade lei from her sister in law Dulce Ramirez at California State University, Northridge on May 22, 2023 (Carolyn Burt, SCNG)
Floral lei on sale for California State University, Northridge’s commencement on May 22, 2023 (Carolyn Burt, SCNG)
Ancely Juarez smiles after earning her bachelor’s in business and real estate major at California State University, Northridge on May 22, 2023 (Carolyn Burt, SCNG)
Andrea Neri, an Emerging Media Production major, smiles before her commencement ceremony at California State University, Northridge on May 22, 2023 (Carolyn Burt, SCNG)
Graduation lei and lei po’o, or flower crown, were gifted to Ontario resident Adrianne Manapat during her Bachelor’s degree graduation from Cal Poly Pomona in May. (Courtesy of Adrianne Manapat)
Ontario resident Adrianne Manapat receives a lei po’o, or flower crown, on her head as a congratulatory gift during her graduation from Cal Poly Pomona in May. (Courtesy of Adrianne Manapat)
Heather Heleloa, right, from Mission Viejo, graduated in May with her Master of Science in Hospitality from USC. She wears a traditional lei po’o, a gift from family. (Courtesy of Stella Kalinina)
Soka University graduates Robert Duran, Man Kwok, and Darshan Suryavanshi Magar completed their Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Societal Change. (Courtesy of Charlie Wang / Soka University of America)
Soka University class of 2023 graduate Kristen Kolp. (Courtesy of Marina Inoue / Soka University of America)
Cal State Dominguez Hills graduate Christian Alvarado wore his colorful maile lei made of leaves — a gift from his girlfriend, mom and grandmother — as he walked across the stage at his school’s May 20 commencement.
“We had to continue the tradition,” said Alvarado, who graduated with his bachelor’s in business administration. “My grandfather is from Hawai’i too, so it’s really meaningful.”
Ontario resident and Cal Poly Pomona graduate Adrianne Manapat wore her orchid lei, a money lei, and a fresh lei po’o crown during her graduation ceremony on May 22. The lei were meaningful gifts from family and close friends, and Manapat plans to preserve them — next to her new Bachelor’s degree in organizational communication — for as long as she can.
“My best friend, who is originally from Hawaii, had the crown specially made and brought it all the way here from Las Vegas,” Manapat said. “I felt special; like she went through all the trouble and picked those flowers and colors just for me.”
Marketing graduate Teresa Lopez shared her excitement after walking across the stage at her graduation from Cal State Northridge on May 22. Her sister-in-law adorned her with a lei bearing Lopez’s name, graduation year, and two origami butterflies made out of dollar bills that took her two hours to make.
Receiving the lei was more than a congratulatory gift, but “a symbol,” Lopez said, “meaning that people are proud of you.”
CSUN graduate Ancely Juarez was surprised with a handmade lei at her graduation. “It feels so meaningful to have something handmade worn around you at such a beautiful time.”
Andrea Neri received a lei from an aunt who she had been staying with during her time at CSUN studying emerging media production.
“It symbolizes all of the hard work I went through the past five years,” said Neri. “Finally, I’m doing this, and walking and showing off everything I’ve accomplished.”
Sharing the ‘Aloha’ spirit
Redondo Beach resident Leilani Huggins first began making authentic floral lei as a child. Named “Leilani” meaning “heavenly lei,” she learned different techniques such as the classic lei kui, made by piercing together flowers with a needle and thread; and lei wili, a winding style typically used in headpiece lei.
Huggins started making lei garlands for friends and relatives for special occasions. She later took her skills a step further, becoming a full-fledged business, “Leis by Leilani.” She also started teaching lei-making classes in Orange County and L.A., wanting to “share the Aloha spirit,” and has passed down the tradition to her sons.
“Lei have been so synonymous with graduation,” said Huggins. “It’s a benchmark in one’s life and it’s really important to their next step in adulthood.”
A floral lei with seashells and roses made by Leis by Leilani (Courtesy of Leilani Huggins)
A lei wili made by Leis by Leilani (Courtesy of Leilani Huggins)
Two lei made by Leis by Leilani (Courtesy of Leilani Huggins)
Leis by Leilani setup for making lei. (Courtesy of Leilani Huggins)
A handmade lei kamoe and pua, or flower. (Courtesy of Chris Reichert / Lei Hulu of California)
Handmade lei kamoe, lei poepoe, and humupapa lei — made from feathers and pua, or flower. (Courtesy of Chris Reichert / Lei Hulu of California)
Huggins said that she starts to see orders for her bright, colorful lei come as early as December for graduations that are months away. With a busy graduation season from December through June, Huggins has fulfilled hundreds of orders by hand. The process can take her anywhere from 30 minutes for more simple lei, to three hours for complex designs.
The business has also expanded its graduation inventory to include customizable head and chest pieces. Sourcing, cleaning the stems and preparing the flowers takes the most time, Huggins said, and orders have to be made quickly because “everything is ephemeral — as soon as you start making (lei), the flowers are on their dying process.”
Terrie Ito’s family has owned the Walteria Flower Shop on Hawthorne Boulevard, in Torrance, for nearly 50 years. Ito, the store manager, said that the South Bay is home to many Native Hawaiian families wanting to continue the tradition of gifting a fresh floral lei to their child. The shop has become a community staple in the South Bay, and works with local schools to fulfill growing graduation lei and bouquet orders.
Terrie Ito at Walteria Flowers, with an orchid lei, in Torrance on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The shop is big seller of leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture is very popular for graduations. The shop sells leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Marica Palma makes a white double orchid lei at Walteria Flowers in Torrance on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The graduation leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture is very popular for graduations. The shop sells leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Walteria Flowers in Torrance sells leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money, on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture is very popular for graduations. They sell leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Walteria Flowers in Torrance sells leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money, on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture is very popular for graduations. They sell leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Marica Palma makes a white double orchid lei at Walteria Flowers in Torrance on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The graduation leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture is very popular for graduations. The shop sells leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Marica Palma makes a white double orchid lei at Walteria Flowers in Torrance on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The graduation leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture is very popular for graduations. The shop sells leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Employees busy working at Walteria Flowers, in Torrance on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The shop is big seller of leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture is very popular for graduations. The shop sells leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Candy leis at Walteria Flowers in Torrance on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture are very popular for graduations. They sell leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Leis at Walteria Flowers in Torrance on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture are very popular for graduations. They sell leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
in Torrance on Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Money leis at Walteria Flowers in Torrance on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture are very popular for graduations. They sell leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Ribbon leis at Walteria Flowers in Torrance on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture are very popular for graduations. They sell leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
L-R Kona and Kula, Golden Doddle mascots at Walteria Flowers in Torrance on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The shop sells leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture which are very popular for graduations. The shop sells leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
The staff at Walteria Flowers in Torrance on Thursday, June 1, 2023. They make specialty leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture which are very popular for graduations. The shop sells leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Marica Palma makes a white double orchid lei at Walteria Flowers in Torrance on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The graduation leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture is very popular for graduations. The shop sells leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Marica Palma makes a white double orchid lei at Walteria Flowers in Torrance on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The graduation leis, rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture is very popular for graduations. The shop sells leis made of flowers, ribbons, candy and even money. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
At Walteria, all lei orders start at $45, and a portion of sales go back to the schools. The shop has two specialty lei-makers who learned the craft in their local hula halau, and everything is made in the store.
Ito noticed that sales have skyrocketed this school year, especially for the haku headpiece lei, braided with raffia; and the open-ended ti leaf lei, which hangs loose off the shoulders, similar to a stole or honor cord.
“Coming out of COVID, people are just more celebratory, more thankful. Students had to go through those years of online learning, and they’re just so thankful they get to celebrate and have their full graduation,” Ito said. “We all know people who couldn’t march… so it’s an honor to be able to receive, wear your lei and celebrate.”
Vendors and schools see lei popularity and sales
Long Beach resident Martha Pasellas has been a lei vendor at graduations for over 30 years. On May 20, she set up her booth outside of the Dignity Health Sports Park; selling handmade floral, candy and ribbon lei to the families of Cal State Dominguez Hills graduates.
Pasellas said that she observed graduation lei sales were more popular in California and the West Coast than in other states, where she hasn’t seen too many vendors. She said that she has met other businesses who make around $10,000 during busy graduation season, but those vendors typically travel to farther areas in San Bernardino or San Diego.
“I (sell) a lot more local, usually in Long Beach, and this graduation is the farthest that I go,” she said, “but I make around $3,500.”
A vendor on roller skates sells leis, flowers and other items in the parking lot prior to theCalifornia State University San Bernardino Spring 2023 Commencement at Toyota Arena in Ontario on Friday, May. 19, 2023. The commencement was the first of 5 to be held at the arena this weekend by the university. Approximately 3,500 students in all will receive Master and Bachelor of Arts degrees. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Martha Pasellas has been selling graduation items, such as homemade leis, for over 30 years in the Long Beach area. She was at the Dignity Health Sports Park tennis stadium selling at Cal State Dominguez Hills’ graduation on Saturday, May 20. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Herlinda Morales, from Fontana, sells homemade graduation lei, cultural stoles, and other regalia at her family’s booth outside of the Cal State San Bernardino commencement ceremony at the Toyota Arena in Ontario on Friday, May. 19, 2023. (Photo by Allyson Vergara/SCNG)
David Martinez, 14, heads towards the parking lot with an arm load of lei’s, stuffed animals and other items prior to the California State University San Bernardino Spring 2023 Commencement at Toyota Arena in Ontario on Friday, May. 19, 2023. The commencement was the first of 5 to be held at the arena this weekend by the university. Approximately 3,500 students in all will receive Master and Bachelor of Arts degrees. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
John Heraz, from Imperial, purchases flowers for his graduating daughter from vendor Rosemary Bedoy prior to the California State University San Bernardino Spring 2023 Commencementat Toyota Arena in Ontario on Friday, May. 19, 2023. The commencement was the first of 5 to be held at the arena this weekend by the university. Approximately 3,200 students in all will receive Master and Bachelor of Arts degrees. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Alicia Reiner places a flower lei around her daughter Kalla Velasquez’s neck after the California State University San Bernardino student graduated following the Spring 2023 Commencement at Toyota Arena in Ontario on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Oscar Castillo, from Hesperia, purchases flowers and lei for his graduating daughter from vendor Rosemary Bedoy prior to the California State University San Bernardino Spring 2023 Commencement at Toyota Arena in Ontario on Friday, May. 19, 2023. The commencement was the first of 5 to be held at the arena this weekend by the university. Approximately 3,200 students in all will receive Master and Bachelor of Arts degrees. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Lorenzo Hinojosa sells different plastic and rope braid lei outside the Cal State San Bernardino commencement ceremony at the Toyota Arena in Ontario on Friday, May. 19, 2023. Hinojosa said that wearing a lei “makes the graduate feel special” when walking across the stage to get their diploma. (Photo by Allyson Vergara/SCNG)
Cal Poly College of Business Administration graduate Joseph Guerrero, center, receives a pair of leis from his cousins Melissa Nieves, left, and Priscilla Illingworth prior to the university’s 67th Commencement Ceremonies in Pomona on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Families shop for leis for their seniors at the St. Anthony High School graduation in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, June 4, 2022. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Cal Poly College of Business Administration graduate Joseph Guerrero, center, receives a pair of leis from his cousins Melissa Nieves, left, and Priscilla Illingworth prior to the university’s 67th Commencement Ceremonies in Pomona on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Herlinda Morales, from Fontana, prepares her booth selling homemade graduation lei, cultural stoles, and other regalia outside of the Cal State San Bernardino commencement ceremony at the Toyota Arena in Ontario on Friday, May. 19, 2023. (Photo by Allyson Vergara/SCNG)
Herlinda Morales, from Fontana, prepares her booth selling homemade graduation lei, cultural stoles, and other regalia outside of the Cal State San Bernardino commencement ceremony at the Toyota Arena in Ontario on Friday, May. 19, 2023. (Photo by Allyson Vergara/SCNG)
Chris Reichert, president of the non-profit Lei Hulu of California, with his graduate niece wearing a Kahili pa’a lima, which he made with turkey and rooster feathers. (Courtesy of Chris Reichert / Lei Hulu of California)
Pasellas admitted that sometimes vendors get kicked out from the ceremonies without having the proper sales permits. It can be hard to make a profit then, she said, but other times security does allow business outside the stadiums, on sidewalks and near places where people could walk by.
“We’re here and will continue to be here,” she said.
The Orange Unified Public Schools Foundation coordinates graduation lei sales for the district’s five high school ceremonies in early June at the Fred Kelly Stadium in Orange. Graduation store coordinator Nicol Jones said that sales go back to the foundation to support schools’ programming and resources.
Double orchid lei and personalized kukui nut leis, adorned with school colors and logos, start at $38. Lei orders are made through online retailer The Commencement Group, which Jones said has made things “a lot smoother” for some families. Sidewalk vendors, she said, weren’t always as reliable.
“This year, we’re selling everything directly to the parents so they pick up their order right from the graduation ceremony itself. That way there’s no last-minute rush to the flower shop,” Jones said. “They already have all the school regalia — so it’s nice to wear a piece of their families at the ceremony too.”
Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, which has a sister campus in Tokyo, had around 100 graduates at the small liberal arts campus this spring. For its May 26 commencement, the university gifted colorful corsages made of silk flowers, and orange jacaranda lei to each graduate, made by donors in Hawaii and in Japan. Each came with a personalized message: “Wishing you will spread blossoming smiles around the world, like the jacaranda!”
Suafo’a, the Claremont professor, believes that the tradition, particularly during graduation celebrations, has also become “somewhat of an act of resistance.”
“For many Pacific Islanders, it has become a visible mark of success, a way of disrupting an educational system that has historically underserved our community,” Suafo’a said. “At one point in time, Pacific Islanders had their cultures, their people, their lands, their traditions erased… so, now we wear lei proudly, to honor our ancestors and our families, and to say to another, via the act of gifting a lei to the graduate, ‘I see you, and I am proud of you’.”
