lei

/leɪ/

Other forms: leis

In Hawaii, a sweet-smelling garland of flowers is called a lei. Traditional hula dancers often wear elaborate leis made of ferns, leaves, and blossoms.

Leis are such an important part of Hawaiian culture that May 1 is known as "Lei Day" and is celebrated across all the islands. It's also customary to give leis to special guests, brides and grooms, funeral mourners, retirees, and people celebrating birthdays. The custom extends to other parts of Polynesia, including Samoa and Tahiti. The Hawaiian root of lei means "ornament worn about the neck or head."

Definitions of lei

1. noun

   flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
   synonyms: chaplet, coronal, garland, wreath

   types:

   crown

   a wreath or garland worn on the head to signify victory

   bay wreath, laurel, laurel wreath

   (antiquity) a wreath of laurel foliage worn on the head as an emblem of victory

   crown of thorns

   a mock crown made of thorn branches that Roman soldiers placed on Jesus before the Crucifixion

   type of:

   floral arrangement, flower arrangement

   a decorative arrangement of flowers