Hilo, Hawai`i
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Mo`olelo o na Lei
( Stories of the
Lei )
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i
These
days we only hear the chorus of May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i, but there
was a lot more to the song when "Red" Hawk wrote it back in 1927. And,
though we do it as a hula today, it was, originally, a Fox Trot! Here,
ALL of the lyrics are presented for your enjoyment. To hear and see it
performed, come visit our Mo`olelo o nā
Lei Lei Day festival on May 1 at the Mo`oheau Band Stand. To learn more,
please keep reading!
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i
words and music by "Red" Hawk
copyright 1927
Land of the
flowers, of flow'ry bowers,
In her gay dress she appears
A sweet happy maid, may her dress never fade
As she carries this day through the years
May Day is Lei Day
in Hawai`i
Garlands of flowers ev'ry where
All of the colors in the rainbow
Maidens with blossoms in their hair
Flowers that mean we should be happy
Throwing aside our load of care, Oh!
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i
Lei Day is happy day out there.
Land of green
mountains, gardens and fountains
Beaches of white shining sand
Where each one I see has a smile just for me
And has ready a welcoming hand
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i
Garlands of flowers ev'ry where
All of the colors in the rainbow
Maidens with blossoms in their hair
Flowers that mean we should be happy
Throwing aside our load of care, Oh!
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i
Lei Day is happy day out there.
| In 2001, our Senator, Danial
Kahikina Akaka, during a
May 1 address, said, " 'May Day is Lei Day' in Hawaii. Lei
Day is a nonpolitical and nonpartisan celebration. Indeed, its
sole purpose is to engage in random acts of kindness and
sharing, and to celebrate the Aloha spirit, that intangible, but
palpable, essence which is best exemplified by the hospitality
and inclusiveness exhibited by the Native Hawaiians -- Hawaii's
indigenous peoples -- to all people of goodwill."
The theme for our Lei Day festival is "Mo`olelo o nā Lei," Stories of the Lei. This theme was selected to help us to remember that each lei tells a story. |
A lei is not just flowers strung on a thread. A lei is a
tangible representation of aloha in which symbols of that aloha
are carefully sewn or woven together to create a gift. This gift
tells a story of the relationship between the giver and the
recipient. many things can make up a lei. One can string
flowers, seeds, shells, or berries into a lei. One can weave
vines and leaves into a lei. Once can weave words into a poem or
song, which is then a lei. The ultimate expression of a lei is
kamalei - the child which represents the intertwining of aloha
between the parents.
Join our Hālau, Na Mohala o Hāla`i,
in
a small `ohana-style event celebrating Lei Day, May 1, 2008, at the Mo`oheau Bandstand (behind the
main terminal of the Hilo Bus Station) from Noon to
3:00 pm for a simple commemoration which will include storytelling, lei
making demonstrations, music, and sharing - bring your guitar or
`ukulele and a brown-bag lunch!Featured will be Grammy-award winning artist Keoki Kahumoku, master story-teller Leilehua Yuen, and their `ohana, students, and friends.
Lei Day Proclamation
Whereas the Lei is an ancient art emblematic of the Hawaiian Islands and their People, and a symbol of Aloha and intercultural harmony renowned throughout the world;
Whereas the traditions, protocols, and the artistry of mo`olelo and kaona behind the Lei are an integral part of the art form, and worthy of perpetuation;
Whereas these traditions of lei making foster appreciation and love of the land, nature, and our island home, and encourage stewardship and responsible use of natural resources;
Whereas the Lei is made up of many diverse materials, each with its own unique characteristics which enrich the story and artistry as it is fashioned together into a truly special creation of beauty; just as the County of Hawai`i is made up of people of many diverse backgrounds, abilities and talents, whose unique contributions enrich our community and make it a truly special place;
Whereas the many and varied benefits of the traditions of the Lei are honored and celebrated at divers places and times throughout the Month of May;
NOW Therefore I, Harry Kim, Mayor of the County of Hawai`i do hereby proclaim May 1, 2008 as
Lei Day
In the County of Hawai`i and urge our citizens to enjoy the festivities today,
And furthermore, I do hereby proclaim the Month of May, 2007 as
The Month of the Lei
In the County of Hawai`i and urge our citizens to reap the benefits of our traditional artistic expressions throughout this month and henceforth as we renew our commitment to draw strength from and celebrate our Hawaiian and Multi-Cultural heritage.
In witness WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused The Seal of the County of Hawai`i to be affixed.
Harry Kim
Mayor
County of Hawaii
May Lei Activities
phone 1-808-217-9924 for more information
April
30 - May 5 - May Day
Lei Day Feather lei exhibit, Lyman House Museum.
May 1 - Lei Day - Mo`olelo o na Lei at the Mo`oheau Bandstand. Noon to 3 pm
May 2 - After a several year long hiatus, Na`alehu School reinstitutes its Lei Day program!
May 4 - May Day Lei Day at the Palace Theater. 1pm to 4pm
May 17 - Onizuka Visitor Information Station, Mauna Kea, Lei Day presentation
Calendars
Hawai`i Island Vacation Planner
Ka`ahele Hawai`i is an electronic magazine of Hawai`i Island. We hope to provide material of interest and usefulness to readers both on and off Ka Moku Hawai`i. It is currently under development as the first website designed and managed by Yuen Media Services. We would like to invite YOU, the reader, to participate in the development of this site. Please let us know of any suggestions you may have to make this site more useful and enjoyable. Mahalo, Leilehua Yuen.