In Hawaiian culture, a lei is more than an accessory; it is a known as "aloha" [11]. Traditionally, the story of the lei is one of sacred ceremony and social celebration, crafted from local flowers, leaves, seeds, and even shells [4]. Keeping the Lei "Intact"
: A lei should be accepted and worn draped over the shoulders [6]. Removing a lei in front of the giver is seen as cutting the bond or rejecting their aloha [11]. INTACT - 3 lei
or burn the organic materials to return them to the land [14, 20]. In Hawaiian culture, a lei is more than
To keep a lei intact and respect the giver, specific etiquette and preservation methods are followed: Removing a lei in front of the giver
When a lei can no longer be kept intact, it should never be thrown in the trash. The proper "story" ends by :
: Often applied to new experiences (like rescue animals or major life changes), this suggests 3 days for decompression, 3 weeks for learning routines, and 3 months for feeling completely "at home" in a new environment [10].