Live Life Team
A circle is a symbol of continuity and of infinity. We wear tiny circles around our fingers—our wedding rings—when we marry. In Hawaii, the circle appears in many of its traditions, some of which have to do with weddings.
Leis are the beautiful, fragrant garlands of flowers that have become a signature of the Hawaiian Islands. Traditionally given with a kiss, they are a visible extension of the aloha spirit. They are given in love to friends, families, and guests. These floral circles make their appearance at times of great joy in greeting or when facing unbearable loss.
Fragrant leis are very much a part of Hawaiian weddings. Part of the ceremony is for the couple to exchange leis. Each one in turn places a lei around the other’s neck and seals the gift with a kiss. Pikake and ginger leis are a favourite of brides whilst the grooms tend to wear the fragrant maile leaf leis.
The Hawaiian Wedding Circle is also a popular tradition. These can be made of salt, which is said to purify, or of flowers, maile leaves, or other island greenery. The circles are set out on the sand (the beach is a preferred wedding spot in Hawaii) and the couple stands inside for the ceremony. Sometimes, a second circle is set up for the cake that is big enough for the couple to stand in for the cake cutting ceremony.
The power of the circle is so well thought of in Hawaii that a pregnant woman cannot wear a closed flower lei. She must only wear the open end kind so as not to interfere with the energy flow to her child.
