And, of all the things that make
this day special, people in Hawaii
wrap themselves and each other,
along with statues of important ones,
in all manner of floral neckwear.

We buy lei for loved ones arriving
this day—simple ti leaf lei for
good luck and protection.

Aloha nui loa, we say. E komo mai.
Warm greetings. Welcome.

We drape lei around necks
with a kiss on the cheek.
Because wearing a lei, it is said,
is like having someone’s arms
wrapped around you.

And who among us could
not use a hug?