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You’ve probably heard about May Day, perhaps you’re even making a May basket or something related to May Day in school. But, have you ever heard of Lei Day? Like May Day, Lei Day is celebrated on May 1st, but instead of a May pole and baskets, people give leis to one another. Where do you suppose this holiday is celebrated? Hawaii of course!

A lei is a necklace usually made of flowers or berries that is given as a gift for many reasons. People give them for birthdays, weddings, graduations and as a way to say “I Love You.” The custom of giving leis to visitors arriving in Hawaii became so popular that in 1928, a writer, Don Blanding, wrote an article suggesting that this tradition be given a holiday. A fellow writer, Grace Tower Warren, came up with the idea of having this day on May 1st and coined the phrase “May Day is Lei Day.” On this day in 1928, people were encouraged to wear leis, and people celebrated with music, hula dancing and lei making contests. The following year in 1929, Lei Day was made an official holiday.

Today, people still celebrate Lei Day in Hawaii. In honor of Lei Day, we have a lei making project. We hope you all have a happy May Day and Happy Lei Day!