Aloha Moms! Celebrating Mother's Day Hawaiian Style with Lei Day

Mother's Day is a special day to honor mothers and mother figures worldwide. While the holiday is celebrated differently in various cultures, one of the most unique celebrations takes place in Hawaii. In Hawaii, Mother's Day is celebrated with a tradition known as "lei day." Lei day was established in the early 1900s to honor the Hawaiian custom of giving and receiving leis. This tradition involves presenting mothers with beautiful Hawaiian flower leis as a sign of appreciation and love. Did you know that the lei is considered a symbol of love and respect in Hawaiian culture? The lei is traditionally made with flowers, leaves, and other natural materials and is worn around the neck or draped over the shoulders. The lei is also used to welcome visitors and honor special occasions. Another fun fact about lei day is that it was originally celebrated on May 1st, but it was later moved to coincide with Mother's Day. This change was made to give mothers the recognition they deserve and to create a day that celebrates the beauty and love of Hawaiian culture. In addition to giving leis, Hawaiian families also celebrate Mother's Day with special meals and outings. Many families will gather for a traditional Hawaiian feast called a "luau," which is typically held outdoors and features a variety of delicious foods, including poi, kalua pig, and haupia. Hawaiian mothers are also known for their love of hula dancing. In fact, many families will attend a hula performance to celebrate Mother's Day and watch as their loved ones perform the traditional Hawaiian dance. In conclusion, Mother's Day is a special day to honor mothers and mother figures worldwide, but the Hawaiian tradition of lei day adds a unique and beautiful touch. Whether it's giving leis, enjoying a luau, or watching a hula performance, the Hawaiian celebration of Mother's Day is a time to appreciate the beauty and love of Hawaiian culture.