The spirit of aloha is captured in the lei, but hello is not the only meaning of aloha. The word, and the spirit behind it, also means goodbye. For those who have departed, it can mean a final goodbye. Hawaiian funerals often include funeral leis that guests wear to the service. Leis may also be used elsewhere in the service as a symbol of respect and esteem for the person who has passed away.
In Hawaii, all important occasions are times to wear a lei. Memorial services and funerals are included in these occasions. As a symbol of respect and love for the person who departed, many Hawaiians wear leis to funerals for loved ones. The funeral service area may also be decorated with leis. Photo of the departed person may be draped with leis. The casket itself may also be draped with leis to show respect for the person being honored. Family members of the deceased may wear leis, and there may be leis dressing up the tables at the service.
When you attend a funeral, giving lovely leis to the family members of the departed person can show them the affection you have for them. With this gift, you show the family how much support you have for them and the affection you feel for them.
The Lei-Throwing Tradition
Wearing a lei isn’t the end of the tradition for many people who have a love for Hawaii. After wearing a funeral lei, it may be left somewhere that had meaning to the departed person or somewhere else that is meaningful and shows respect to that person. Other people take the funeral lei and throw it in the ocean to honor the deceased person. The person can also be honored by removing the flowers from the lei and scattering them across the water.
Choosing a Lei for a Funeral
Many different leis are worn to funerals, and there is no type of lei that is wrong for this occasion. However, a few types tend to be more popular to wear to funerals. Some guests want to honor the departed with a lei made from fragrant flowers. Others choose a lei that is made from leaves.
The maile lei is one of the most popular funeral types. It is an open-ended style that has a sweet scent and is made from the maile vine. This is a highly respected lei type that was once the most revered type of all. Its ancient history in Hawaii has kept it popular and respected among all Hawaiians. The ti-leaf lei is another popular type worn at funerals. The ti leaf is considered to be good luck, and it makes a lei that is elegant and attractive.
A lei that has a beautiful look and a lovely scent is the pikake lei. To give this lei to another is a sign of love and friendship. Another common lei is the puakenikeni with its sweet smell and a cute look.
Other popular ways to honor the deceased are with leis made from orchids, rosebuds or hibiscus flowers. These are associated with the traditions of ancient Hawaii and all have a beautiful look. No matter which lei you choose for a funeral, you will show affection for the departed person as well as the other people attending the service.