What type of lei is good for graduation?
It’s graduation season. Lei giving come to mind when you live in Hawaii. And the question always come up, what is the right kind of lei to give? There is not much of any rules when it comes to lei giving. You can give it anytime, with or without an occasion. You can even buy your own lei so you could just look good. Okay, may be there is a few rules. Never give a pregnant woman a close lei, and the lei maker can make you an open end lei of any type of lei. Just ask. Give lei with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. (for company function, it is easier when the giver and recipient be of the opposite gender) Always accept a lei with a mahalo or thank you. If you’re allergic or uncomfortable with flowers around your neck, you can take it off discreetly after receiving it. Lei should be treated with respect, never place them on the seat of a chair, the floor or swing them around. Don’t wear the lei that you are about to give. Although it is okay to give any lei regardless of gender, some lei are preferred by men and other are preferred by women. In general, lei with kukui nut looks good on men. Other intricate orchid lei look beautiful on women. Lei maker even have special names for them – Christiana, Angel, Butterfly, Wilamina, just to name a few.
Lei preferred by male – kukui nut with mock orange, cigar with kukui nut, crown, maile, ti leave, ti leave with rose, heehee with sea grape, double crown, triple crown.
Lei preferred by female – pua kenikeni; pikake – single, double, triple strand or rope style; Orchid in the Christina, angel, butterfly, wilamina weave style; micro ginger with ilima, orchid, ti leave, red ginger;
Lei for both gender – single orchid in color of green, white or purple; double orchid, cigar, carnation, carnation with roses, tuberose, tuberose with carnation; tuberose with roses; haku, royal ilima, white ginger – single or double; plumeria, tie leave, stephanotis, shell,
Fragrant lei – pikake, pua kenikeni, ginger, tuberose, crown.
Rare lei – Ohia, Kaunaoa, Hinahina, makihana, Maunaloa, Pakalana, Paper flower, firecracker, Vanda Orchid, jad vine,