Lei Day May 1, 2024

As the first day of May dawns in Hawaii, Lei Day bursts forth in a riot of color, fragrance, and festivity. Leis are garlands crafted from flowers, leaves, and even shells, carrying significant cultural importance in Hawaiian culture. Leis were brought by the Polynesians as they migrated eastward through the Pacific Islands before reaching Hawaii between 1000 and 1200 CE. They represent love, respect, and the ever-present aloha spirit, described as "the coordination of mind and heart within each person." Lei Day is an all-day fiesta that includes parades, pageants, lei-making contests, hula dances, and feasts. It also marks the beginning of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

© Jotika Pun/Shutterstock

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Today in History

May 1, 2018The Sky Over Nine Columns in Venice, Italy
May 1, 2019Purple flowers and Golden Week
May 1, 2020It s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
May 1, 2021It s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 1, 2022AAPI Heritage Month & Lei Day
May 1, 2023Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 1, 2025Lei Day in Hawaii
May 1, 2026Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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