Every May 1, Hawaii comes alive with Lei Day, a festival celebrating the rich culture and spirit of the islands. Initiated in 1927 by the poet Don Blanding, Lei Day began as a tribute to the Hawaiian custom of making and wearing leis. The idea was quickly adopted and officially recognized as a holiday in 1929, and leis have since become a symbol of local pride and cultural preservation.
In Hawaiian culture, leis are more than decorative garlands made from flowers, shells or feathers. For Hawaiians, giving a lei is as natural as saying “aloha.” It shows love and peace, and conveys welcome, gratitude or congratulations. Leis also reflect the diversity and beauty of the archipelago through the distinctive colors associated with each Hawaiian island. On the island of Hawaii, the largest of the state’s eight major islands, the traditional flower color is red. Similarly, Maui is known for its pink leis, while Oahu is celebrated for its yellow leis.
Today, Lei Day is celebrated across Hawaii with numerous activities that honor this iconic tradition. Among the highlights are lei-making contests, where participants from all walks of life display their skills and creativity. In addition to local residents, visitors are encouraged to wear leis and join the celebrations. Adding to the lively atmosphere are traditional Hawaiian music and hula dancing. A Lei Queen is also selected to represent Hawaiian values and participate in various public events.
Photo: Pixabay / 照片：Pixabay
Through its annual celebration, Hawaii emphasizes the importance of a connection to nature, cultural pride and sharing joy. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Lei Day offers an opportunity to embrace the essence of Hawaii’s culture.
每年的5月1日，夏威夷因花環節而熱鬧非凡，這是一個慶祝夏威夷群島豐富文化和精神的節日。花環節於西元1927年由詩人唐．布蘭丁發起，最初是為了向夏威夷製作和佩戴花環的傳統致敬。這個想法很快就被採納並於西元1929年正式被認定為一個節日，從此花環就成為了當地驕傲和文化保存的象徵。
在夏威夷文化中，花環不僅僅是用鮮花、貝殼或羽毛製成的裝飾性花圈。對夏威夷人來說，贈送花環就像說「阿囉哈」一樣自然。它展現了愛與和平，並傳達歡迎、感激或祝賀之意。花環也透過與夏威夷各島嶼相關的獨特顏色，反映了群島的多樣性和美麗。在夏威夷島（州內八大島嶼中最大的島嶼），傳統的花色是紅色。同樣地，茂宜島以粉紅色花環聞名，而歐胡島則以黃色花環而聞名。
如今，花環節透過眾多活動在夏威夷全境慶祝，以致敬這項具代表性的傳統。其中一大亮點是花圈製作比賽，來自各行各業的參賽者展示他們的技藝和創意。除了當地居民外，遊客也被鼓勵戴上花圈參加慶祝活動。增添熱鬧氣氛的還有傳統的夏威夷音樂和草裙舞。還會選出一位花環皇后來代表夏威夷價值並參加各種公共活動。
透過這一年一度的慶祝活動，夏威夷強調與大自然連結、文化自豪感和分享快樂的重要性。無論你是當地人還是遊客，花環節都提供了擁抱夏威夷文化精髓的機會。
MORE INFORMATION
Hawaii n. 夏威夷
aloha int. 阿囉哈(夏威夷語中的招呼語)
Hawaiian adj. 夏威夷的 & n. 夏威夷人
garland n. 花環；花冠
archipelago n. 群島
Maui n. 茂宜島(夏威夷中的第二大島)
Oahu n. 歐胡島(夏威夷中的第三大島，也是人口最多的島)
iconic adj. 代表性的
hula n. 草裙舞；呼拉舞
KEY VOCABULARY
1. initiate vt. 發起；開始
The celebrity initiated legal action against a newspaper that printed lies about her.
那位名人開始進行法律動作來對抗一家對她報導不實的報紙。
2. decorative adj. 裝飾性的；裝潢用的
The decorative vases were set along the walls so people could view them.
這些裝飾性的花瓶沿著牆壁擺放，讓人們可以觀賞它們。
3. gratitude n. 感激；感謝
Ryan showed his gratitude to his mom by taking her out to dinner on Mother’s Day.
萊恩在母親節那天帶他母親出去吃晚餐以表示對她的感激之情。
4. diversity n. 多樣性；差異
There is a great diversity of wildlife in this national park.
這座國家公園有很豐富的野生生物多樣性。
5. numerous adj. 許多的；大量的
The shopping mall is home to numerous clothes and shoe shops.
這間購物中心是許多衣服和鞋子店的大本營。
6. contest n. 比賽；競賽
Sandra came in first place in the singing contest and received her first recording contract.
珊卓在歌唱比賽中名列第一，並獲得了她的第一份唱片合約。
7. celebration n. 慶祝（活動）
Is Sally coming to the birthday celebration for our classmate Willy?
莎莉會來參加我們同學威利的生日慶祝活動嗎？
8. annual adj. 一年一次的；每年的
Thanksgiving is an annual tradition in the US that happens on the fourth Thursday of November.
感恩節是美國一年一度的傳統，在每年十一月的第四個星期四。
9. essence n. 本質；精髓
The writer captured the essence of the political movement in his latest article.
這位作家在他最新的文章中捕捉了這場政治運動的精髓。
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