Leis are increasingly popular choices for graduates along the coast. At Rose of Sharon Florist we make all our own leis rather than purhasing them pre-made and having them flown in from Thailand. Mia is from Hawaii so sometimes I do order a Pikake Lei for her from a source I have there and when it arrives the intoxicating fragrance takes her back to her homeland but the lei is generally bruised.

As a symbol of of love and friendship, the lei dates back to the ancient Hawaiins to be worn by people of all ages. The lei became increasingly popular in the 1800's  with the advent of steamship travel to paradise. As the ships arrived the hospitable Hawaiins gifted the visitors with a lei and Aloha.

Leis can be made in a variety of ways and using a variety of different flowers.  Nuts, feathers, stone and even money can be used to make leis. The most popular in our store are the single and double Carnation Leis and the single and double Dendrobium Orchid Leis. Carnation Leis can be made in nearly any color however if it is for one of the local graduations it will probably be red and or white for Santa Maria High, purple and gold for Righetti High and teal and black for Pioneer High.  Shown in the picture at right is the very lush Double Carnation Lei. We can also make Hair Leis and Wrist Leis and Flower Necklaces.

To Present the Lei as a Gift

Receiving and Caring for your Lei