Lei Day: Our Hawaiian Life

As a child I remember the magic of creating and delivering May Day baskets. We would cut little milk cartons or fashion baskets out of paper, fill them with fresh picked flowers and small hard candies. I would run up to the front door of the neighbors' houses, set a basket down, knock on the door, (most folk did not yet have doorbells) and run. The idea was for the baskets to be anonymous. Such fond memories.

Then we moved to Hawaii and we got a wonderful lesson in Hawaiian culture. Lei Day! While not an official bank holiday, Lei Day is one of the biggest celebrations of the school year. There are songs and hulas by each grade. A Lei Day court. Special treats; Mochi and Malasadas. And generally a Lion Dance. It’s a celebration of everything that makes Hawaiian culture so rich.

I can still recall my son’s first Lei Day, he practiced his songs for hours to make sure he was ready. In fifth grade our second daughter was in the Lei Day court. Our youngest was always put up front in the performances due to her strong attention to detail. Lei Day, like May Day, has rich and warm memories in my heart.

One of the most difficult realities of moving around has been part of our family still living in the Islands, while most of us live on the mainland. Fortunately my husband makes sure we get back there at least once a year. But it remains a burden in my heart to miss out on my grandchildren’s Lei Days and every day celebrations.

I am confident that one day in Heaven all of these sacrifices and pains will be gone, but these tender moments here on earth are like experiencing a little bit of eternity today.

Happy Honeymooning!

Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."