Stacked: Celebrating Graduation Season in Hawaiʻi
As Hawaiʻi embraces the warmth of early summer, it also welcomes one of its most cherished times of the year - graduation season. In the islands, this milestone is marked by the beautiful tradition of lei giving. Today, we're exploring this unique custom and introducing our "Stacked" collection, which honors this practice with a blend of beloved flowers.
The Lei Tradition in Graduation Season
In Hawaiʻi, lei are an integral part of many celebrations, and graduations are no exception. It's common to see graduates adorned with multiple lei, sometimes stacked so high they can barely see over them! This custom is a visual representation of the community's support and celebration of the graduate's achievements.
Our "Stacked" collection pays homage to this tradition, capturing the essence of graduation season in Hawaiʻi. It's a celebration of accomplishment and a fragrant reminder of the islands.
The "Stacked" Collection: A Blend of Beloved Flowers
Our "Stacked" collection features a carefully curated selection of flowers, each with its own unique history in Hawaiʻi. Let's explore the facts about each of these flowers:
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Loke (Pink):
- Scientific name: Rosa sp.
- Loke is the Hawaiian word for rose.
- Roses were introduced to Hawaiʻi and have become popular in lei making.
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Pakalana (Green):
- Scientific name: Telosma cordata
- Also known as Chinese violet or Ceylon jessamine.
- Introduced to Hawaiʻi, possibly in the mid-1800s.
- Known for its intense fragrance.
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Pīkake (White):
- Scientific name: Jasminum sambac
- The Hawaiian name is adapted from the word "peacock."
- One of about a dozen Jasminum species grown in Hawaiʻi.
- Named after Princess Kaʻiulani's fondness for both the flower and peacocks.
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Puakenikeni (Yellow):
- Scientific name: Fagraea berteroana
- The name means "ten-cent flower" in Hawaiian.
- Named in the early 1900s when lei made from these flowers were sold for ten cents to visitors arriving by boat.
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Kī (Dark Green):
- Scientific name: Cordyline fruticosa
- Also known as ti plant.
- A canoe plant, brought to Hawaiʻi by early Polynesian settlers.
- Has many traditional uses in Hawaiian culture beyond lei making.
A Blend of Introduced and Native Plants
Our "Stacked" collection reflects the diverse botanical history of Hawaiʻi. While most of the flowers (loke, pakalana, pīkake, and puakenikeni) were introduced to the islands and have become beloved in local culture, kī stands out as a canoe plant with a much longer history in Hawaiʻi.
This combination of flowers beautifully represents the blending of traditions in Hawaiʻi, where introduced elements have been embraced alongside indigenous ones, creating a rich and unique cultural tapestry.
Embracing Tradition in Modern Times
As we celebrate this graduation season, each lei in our "Stacked" collection carries with it a piece of Hawaiʻi's history. From the early Polynesian voyagers who brought kī, to the visitors of the early 1900s buying puakenikeni lei, to the continuing popularity of loke, pakalana, and pīkake in modern lei making - each flower tells a story of Hawaiʻi's past and present.
To all the graduates out there, as you wear your lei with pride, know that you're not just carrying flowers, but a piece of Hawaiʻi's rich cultural history. Each lei represents the unique blend of traditions that make Hawaiʻi special.
More importantly, remember that each lei you receive is a symbol of aloha - a tangible expression of love, pride, and support from those who have gifted it to you. These lei represent the connections you've made, the people who have supported your journey, and the community that celebrates your achievements. They are fragrant reminders of the aloha that surrounds you as you move forward into your next chapter.
Congratulations to the graduating class! May your future be as bright and vibrant as the lei you wear, and may you always carry with you the aloha these lei represent. Imua (move forward) with the love and support of all those who celebrate you today!
