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May Day in Hawai’i is a special time when the spirit of aloha shines brightly across the islands. Celebrated every May 1st, Lei Day is a unique Hawaiian tradition that honors the lei—a symbol of love, respect, and appreciation. It’s a time when locals and visitors alike can experience the vibrant culture of Hawaii through lei-making competitions, parades, and cultural performances. In this post, we’ll explore the history of Lei Day, share some traditional ways to celebrate, and give you free printable coloring pages for your kids to learn about and celebrate Lei Day.
The History of Lei Day
When someone makes a lei, it is said that their mana (spirit) is woven into it. So, when you give a lei, you are giving part of yourself, and when you receive a lei, you are receiving part of the creator of the lei.
Poet Don Blanding thought it would be a great idea to celebrate the custom of giving and receiving lei, as it is such a beautiful tradition. The first Lei Day celebration took place on May 1, 1928, in downtown Honolulu, with a theme of “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii.” The event was a success, and since then, Lei Day has become a beloved tradition throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Traditional Ways to Celebrate Lei Day
On Lei Day, Hawai’i comes alive with a variety of cultural events and activities. Here are some of the most popular ways to celebrate:
1. Lei-Making Competitions
Lei Day is known for its lei-making competitions, where artisans showcase their skills in creating beautiful lei. Competitions often feature various categories, including traditional flower lei, feather lei, and contemporary designs. These competitions attract participants from all over the islands, each vying for recognition as the best lei maker.
2. Cultural Performances and Activities
Lei Day is also a time for cultural performances, including hula, live music, and storytelling. These performances are a great way to connect with Hawaiian traditions and learn more about the history and significance of the lei. Additionally, many communities host festivals with food vendors, craft booths, and interactive activities for families to enjoy.
3. School Performances and May Day Royal Court
Most schools in Hawai’i put on a May Day performance. There is usually a royal court, representing Hawai’i’s former royalty. Prince and princesses will dress up in their island colors and island lei, and a king and queen are chosen to preside over the day. Students of all ages dance hula for their peers, parents, and the community.
Free Printable Coloring Pages for Lei Day
To help you get into the spirit of Lei Day, we’ve created free printable coloring pages featuring lei and keiki (kids) wearing them. These coloring pages are perfect for kids and adults, whether you’re celebrating Lei Day in Hawaii or from afar.
Download and print these coloring pages to add a touch of Hawai’i to your day. Let your kids tap into their creativity as they celebrate Lei Day.
Check out these other May Day crafts!
Celebrate the Spirit of Aloha
Lei Day in Hawai’i is a celebration of love, respect, culture and community. Whether you’re joining in the festivities on the islands or celebrating from a distance, we hope this post has inspired you to embrace the spirit of aloha. Don’t forget to wear a lei, share a smile, and spread the warmth and kindness that make Lei Day so special.
Happy May Day and enjoy your free coloring pages!
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