The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

HAWAIIAN CUSTOM

WHILE LIVING IN HAWAII, I LEARNED OF A CHARMING CUSTOM.
IT IS THE CUSTOM IN HAWAII FOR PEOPLE LEAVING THE
ISLANDS TO THROW A LEI OVERBOARD (OF COURSE THEY
MUST BE ON A SHIP). IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE PERSON
WILL RETURN SOMEDAY IF HIS LEI IS CARRIED BY THE
CURRENT BACK TO SHORE, BUT IF THE LEI IS CARRIED OUT
TO SEA HE IS DOOMED NEVER TO RETURN. THIS CUSTOM
DATES BACK TO THE TIMES WHEN THE HAWAIIAN WARRIORS
WOULD LEAVE THEIR PARTICULAR ISLAND TO VENTURE TO
ANOTHER ISLAND IN THEIR PRIMITIVE OUTRIGGERS. THE
WARRIORS WOULD ALL THROW A LEI OVERBOARD WITH THE
BELIEF THAT THE GODS WOULD PROTECT THEM IF THEIR LEI
RETURNED TO SHORE BUT THEY WOULD NEVER RETURN IF THEIR
LEI WENT OUT TO SEA.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): LEI=GARLAND MADE OF FLOWERS, USUALLY WORN AROUND THE NECK.

Date learned: 03-30-1968