Graduation leis are more than just decorative garlands placed around the neck of graduates; they are cultural symbols of achievement, honor, and love. Originating from Polynesian traditions, leis have become an integral part of modern graduation ceremonies across the globe. In the United States, particularly in Hawaii and on the West Coast, they have evolved into a vibrant tradition where families and friends adorn graduates with leis made of flowers, leaves, candy, money, or even customized tokens. Their purpose is to mark a milestone, honor years of hard work, and provide a memorable, tangible expression of support. For many, the lei is a proud badge of accomplishment—something worn not just with joy but also with gratitude.
This guide dives deep into the history, meaning, and evolving role of graduation leis in academic ceremonies worldwide. It will help you understand how leis became intertwined with education milestones, what they represent across different cultures, and how modern society has reimagined them to suit contemporary tastes. We will explore the materials used, how they are crafted, their etiquette, and even provide insights into eco-friendly and creative alternatives. As one Hawaiian proverb says, “Lei po‘o ka ha‘aheo”—the lei is a crown of pride, which encapsulates perfectly the symbolic essence of graduation leis today.
The Historical Roots of Leis
Leis trace their roots back to Polynesia, where they were first worn as adornments, symbols of respect, and expressions of hospitality. When Polynesian voyagers arrived in Hawaii around 750 A.D., they brought with them the tradition of stringing flowers, leaves, shells, and feathers into circular garlands. In Hawaiian culture, the lei is deeply tied to ritual, storytelling, and spirituality. It is not merely decoration; it represents connection—to nature, ancestors, and the human community.
By the early 20th century, leis became popular among visitors to Hawaii, where they were offered as a welcoming gesture. However, their transition into graduation ceremonies occurred later, when Hawaiian customs blended with the broader American academic culture. Students graduating from schools and universities in Hawaii began receiving leis as part of their ceremonies, symbolizing both pride and communal support. Over time, this practice spread to mainland universities, especially in California and the Pacific Northwest, fueled by migration and cultural exchange.
Symbolism of Graduation Leis
At graduations, leis serve as powerful markers of achievement. They signify not just academic success but also the support of family and community that made the journey possible. Different materials used in leis carry varied symbolic meanings.
- Flowers: Represent purity, beauty, and natural growth.
- Leaves: Symbolize prosperity and resilience.
- Money leis: Represent wealth, opportunity, and blessings for the future.
- Candy leis: Emphasize joy, sweetness, and celebration.
The act of placing the lei on the graduate’s shoulders is equally significant. It is an intimate gesture, often accompanied by a kiss or hug, reinforcing the emotional bond between giver and recipient. As one graduate explained, “It felt like each lei was a chapter of my story—every one given to me carried love and pride.”
Materials Used in Graduation Leis
Graduation leis today are as diverse as the graduates themselves. While flowers remain traditional, other creative materials are gaining popularity. Families now craft leis from items that reflect a graduate’s personality or aspirations.
Table 1: Common Materials and Their Symbolism
| Material Type | Example Materials | Symbolism | Usage in Graduation Leis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flowers | Orchids, plumeria, roses | Beauty, growth, transition | Most traditional form, popular in Hawaii & U.S. |
| Leaves/Plants | Maile, ti leaf | Strength, prosperity | Used in Hawaiian customs and modern eco-friendly |
| Candy & Snacks | Chocolates, lollipops | Sweetness, reward | Popular among children and high schoolers |
| Money | Dollar bills, coins | Wealth, blessing for future | Frequently crafted into origami shapes |
| Fabric & Ribbon | Satin, tulle, felt | Creativity, durability | Long-lasting alternative, customizable |
The versatility of leis ensures that every graduate’s personality can be reflected. Families often spend days crafting unique pieces, embedding personal stories into the design.
Regional Practices and Cultural Variations
Though leis are rooted in Hawaiian tradition, they have spread to many communities worldwide. In Hawaii, leis are almost synonymous with graduations, where it’s not uncommon to see graduates buried under stacks of leis reaching up to their ears. On the U.S. mainland, especially in California, leis have gained immense popularity in multicultural communities.
Elsewhere, adaptations have emerged. In the Philippines, graduation garlands are made from sampaguita flowers, while in Mexico, colorful ribbons and paper crafts are common. The symbolism is similar everywhere: love, achievement, and pride. This global spread illustrates the universal appeal of giving something tangible and meaningful to commemorate a milestone.
Etiquette of Giving and Receiving Graduation Leis
There are unspoken cultural etiquettes surrounding leis. For example, it is customary that leis should always be placed on the graduate by the giver, not handed over. Refusing a lei is considered impolite, as it rejects the love and respect of the giver. Additionally, leis should be worn draped over the shoulders, not removed during the ceremony unless they cause discomfort.
Another aspect of etiquette lies in timing. Leis are usually presented immediately after the ceremony, during the post-graduation celebrations. For families who cannot attend, leis are sometimes sent in advance, with instructions to give them to the graduate on their big day. These small gestures keep the symbolism intact, even across distances.
The Modern Evolution of Graduation Leis
Modern leis have become increasingly creative. Money leis crafted into origami flowers, candy leis wrapped in vibrant cellophane, and fabric leis designed for durability are now commonplace. With digital influence, some families even incorporate small photos, QR codes linking to graduation videos, or charms that symbolize hobbies.
This evolution reflects both the personalization trend in modern celebrations and the need for practicality. Fresh flowers are beautiful but perishable, while money or fabric leis provide a keepsake that lasts long after the ceremony ends. Eco-conscious families are also leaning toward biodegradable or reusable materials, reflecting broader cultural concerns about sustainability.
DIY Graduation Leis: A Family Affair
One of the most cherished aspects of leis is that many are handmade by family members. The process itself is a celebration—grandparents folding bills into intricate shapes, siblings stringing candies, and parents weaving flowers into sturdy strands. Making a lei becomes as symbolic as wearing one, an act of collective effort to honor the graduate.
Table 2: Types of DIY Graduation Leis
| Lei Type | Difficulty Level | Popularity | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Flower | Moderate | Very High | Fragrant, traditional beauty |
| Candy | Easy | High | Fun, colorful, child-friendly |
| Money | Hard | Very High | Keepsake, practical gift |
| Fabric/Ribbon | Easy | Moderate | Long-lasting, customizable |
| Hybrid/Custom | Hard | Growing | Combines flowers, money, or photos |
This tradition ensures that leis are not mass-produced tokens but deeply personal tributes.
Graduation Leis in Popular Culture
Graduation leis have even appeared in movies, TV shows, and social media, symbolizing cultural pride and joy. Viral graduation videos often feature students nearly hidden under dozens of leis. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, lei-making tutorials attract millions of views, proving that this tradition resonates across generations.
In literature and media, leis are often presented as metaphors for milestones in life—representing chapters of growth, transition, and celebration. As one writer put it, “The lei is more than a garland; it’s a necklace of memories, strung together by the hands of love.”
Challenges and Sustainability Concerns
As leis become more popular, concerns about sustainability and commercialization have emerged. The high demand for orchids, for instance, has raised questions about over-cultivation and carbon footprints linked to shipping flowers internationally. Additionally, mass-produced plastic leis, often sold at chain stores, dilute the cultural and symbolic authenticity of leis.
Sustainability advocates recommend turning to locally sourced flowers, biodegradable materials, or fabric-based leis. In many communities, eco-conscious lei-making workshops have become popular, teaching families how to honor tradition while protecting the environment.
Conclusion
Graduation leis are more than accessories—they are cultural artifacts that weave together history, symbolism, and personal expression. From their Polynesian roots to their presence in modern graduation ceremonies worldwide, leis carry meanings of pride, love, and achievement. Whether made from flowers, money, candy, or fabric, they serve as tangible reminders of milestones reached and futures awaiting.
As graduations continue to evolve, leis will likely remain central to the celebration, adapting to new cultural trends while holding fast to their symbolic core. To wear a lei on graduation day is to carry not only one’s own success but also the love and pride of an entire community.
FAQs
1. What is the origin of graduation leis?
Graduation leis originated from Hawaiian culture, rooted in Polynesian traditions where garlands symbolized honor, respect, and community pride.
2. What materials are commonly used in graduation leis?
Flowers, leaves, money, candy, and fabric are common. Each carries symbolic meanings tied to prosperity, beauty, or joy.
3. Are there rules for giving and receiving leis?
Yes. Leis should be placed on the graduate by the giver, not handed over, and refusing a lei is considered impolite.
4. Can graduation leis be eco-friendly?
Absolutely. Families often use local flowers, recycled fabrics, or biodegradable materials to reduce environmental impact while preserving tradition.
5. Why are leis important in graduations?
They serve as symbols of achievement, community pride, and emotional connection, transforming ceremonies into deeply personal celebrations.