Lei Day: A Celebration of Aloha
Lei Day: A Celebration of Aloha
Every year on May 1st, the Hawaiian Islands burst into color and fragrance for Lei Day. It's a special day to celebrate the aloha spirit and the beautiful lei. But what is a lei, and why is Lei Day so important?
What is a Lei?
A lei is a garland or wreath. It is usually made of flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, feathers, or nuts. People in Hawaii give leis to show affection, welcome, or honor. Giving a lei is a sign of aloha, which means love, peace, and compassion. Leis can be worn around the neck or head.
Making a Lei
Making a lei is an art. First, you need to gather your materials. Flowers like plumeria, orchids, and pikake are popular choices. You will also need a needle and strong string or yarn. Here’s how to make a simple flower lei:
- Lei:
- A garland or wreath, usually made of flowers, worn around the neck or head.
- Aloha:
- A Hawaiian word that means love, peace, and compassion.
- Plumeria:
- A type of fragrant flower commonly used in making leis.
- Orchid:
- A delicate flower that is often used in leis.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is a lei made of?
- 2Why do people give leis in Hawaii?
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About this informational passage for Upper Elementary
“Lei Day: A Celebration of Aloha” is a informational reading passage about Hawaiian Culture, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (383 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.