Thursday, May 7, 2009

Aloha and Welcome to Congratu-Lei-tions!

We specialize in offering you beautiful handmade leis that will last a lifetime.

These custom leis are the perfect gift for that graduate and make great gifts for birthdays , weddings, and much, much more.

Choose between ribbon leis, fun-fur leis, money leis and candy leis.

Our Products


Congratu-lei-tions specializes in leis that last a lifetime, as fresh flower leis last only a day or two we have decided to not include these in our product offerings.

*Ribbon and Fun-fur Leis

Unlike flower leis, whose beauty soon fades, ribbon leis and fun-fur leis are never discarded but become cherished keepsake gifts to pass along to others.

-Ribbon leis are 40 inches in length, made with double end organza ribbon or satin ribbon and picote ribbon. Please contact us for color selection as custom colors are subject to availability.

$40.00 per lei plus shipping as applicable


(Top:Organza w/Picote Ribbon, Bottom: Satin w/ Picote Ribbon)

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-Fun-fur leis resemble the Hawaiian lehua flower and are made with unique fun-fur yarn. They measure 36 inches in length and are available in school colors. These are also very popular in white, making them ideal for communions, confirmations, or baptisms. Multi-colored versions make great gifts for birthdays, choose black for an "Over-the-hill" or retirement, or mix and match for a "get well" gift.

$ 15.00-$20.00 plus shipping as applicable

(Top: Chino Hills High Colors, Middle: Ayala High Colors)


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*Money Leis

Money may not grow on trees, but they certainly come into fool bloom on a money lei.These blooms won't wilt or die andmay be cherished forever. Next time you give a gift of cash, don't just put it in a card or envelope, give it as a money lei. This type of lei represents prosperity and good luck.

-These leis are done traditionally with an open ended maile fern and are 50 inches in length. Leis are made with crisp, new $1 bills ($10 or $20 value is recommended). Currency flowers are attached with curly ribbon in 2 or 3 colors (as available).

- Rebate Offer: After the money on the lei is spent, you can return your Maile fern in good condition for a $5 credit on your next order.


$20.00 plus Currency (you select) and shipping as applicable



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*Candy Leis or Keiki Leis


These leis are great for children and adults, anyone ages 3-93, and also great for those with a sweet tooth.

WARNING- Because these leis do contain hard candy they are not recommended for children under 3 years of age.

-This fun and whimsical lei is plastic tubing filled with hard candy and bubblegum coins, tied with curly ribbon in 2-3 colors (as available), tulle is also available at a nominal fee. Candy leis are 38 inches in length.


$15.00 plus shipping as applicable





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*NEW* Hybrid Candy/Keiki and Money Lei


For those of you looking for something a little different, we now offer a new lei which takes the traditional lei and adds a little whimsy to it. Now your lei can be beautiful, tasty and a great way to give money for any occasion.


-These lei are 38 inches in length, and are tied with curly ribbon in 2-3 colors (as available). You may add the currency of your choosing.


$15.00 plus Currency (you choose) and shipping as applicable



Ordering Information:


* To order your custom made lei please email me at congratuLeis@gmail.com with your contact information and the type of lei you are interested in. I will in turn send you an order form where you may list the specifics of the lei. Once the order form is received I will contact you within 24-48 hours to confirm your order and color selection, ect.

*Please allow 10-14 days to process orders. Each lei is custom and hand-made.

*Rush orders are available for an additional fee.

RETURN POLICY:

*We do not accept returns. However, if there is something wrong with your order we will promptly fix any mistakes in colors, ect.






Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Traditions of Giving, Receiving, and Wearing the Lei

Most important in the giving and receiving of the lei, is the spirit in which it is given and received. At the heart of the ceremony, even though small, is the love shared between both the giver and receiver. With this in mind, we have included a few traditional tips to help enhance your experience.



Giving a Lei



The most traditional way to give a lei is to place it around the receivers neck and then kiss them on the cheek. It has become more common place in our day to give a kiss while placing the lei around the person's neck. People have also been known to give a slight bow while presenting the lei and letting the receiver take the lei and place it on themselves, in an even more traditional manner.



Receiving a Lei



Declining a lei is considered disrespectful. If the person receiving the lei, cannot wear the lei for whatever reason, it is customary for the receiver to place it in a prominent place so as to show respect and gratitude for the gesture.



Wearing the Lei



Closed leis are usually on the shoulders, half hanging in the back and half hanging in the front. Opened leis are left with the open ends hanging in front, and should be centered on the back of the persons neck. Tradition holds to wearing more than one lei at a time, especially when the wearer is the focal point of the celebration. Some individuals change the bow from one side to the other, before and after the graduation ceremony, along with the movement of the tassel.

Brief History of Hawaiian Hospitality

In Hawaii, you are always considered a guest. Just as in ancient times, every person should be greeted and offered food, whether they are friend or total stranger, friendship is always assumed.



The practice of always being a generous host, or helping those in need, stems from a mythical belief that the gods may visit you unexpectedly. It has long been said that when strangers come to you for help, you must welcome them as if they were gods.....for you never know when they are actually god's visiting you in human form.



With the great Hawaiian tradition of warmth and welcome, it is no wonder that the pineapple is the universal symbol of Hospitality. How fitting that it grows beautiful and abundant in Hawaii. This is one reason I have grown so fond of pineapples and why we at Congratu-Lei-tions have included it in our Logo.

Brief History of "The Spirit of Aloha"

In Hawaiian culture, Aloha is a warm embrace between loved ones. It is the meeting and greeting of one's spirit with another's spirit. From "hello" and "goodbye" to "I love you" and "welcome".



The more powerful meaning is found in its direct translation where the "Ha" found in HAwaii, aloHA, oHAna represents the "breath of life" being shared between one person and another.



The ancient greeting of "Aloha" was originally reserved for loved ones and close family, and not intended as a general greeting for all. It involves rubbing noses (forehead to forehead), saying "Aloha" and inhaling one another's breath or "Ha". This is considered the most heart felt sincere welcome you can give......to share your "life energy" with another person, and is the foundation of the "Spirit of Aloha".