I remember as a youngster that the only time we would make up lolly leis was when we were going overseas, or we knew someone was going, and we would make up lolly leis for them.
This was especially in the 1970s (yeap! maybe even before then) when we would go to Samoa, or we knew someone who was going, and we would take them to wear on the plane.
Those lollies would then be gifted upon arrival to family or friends they would visit, as there were only a few lolly varieties sold there.
The story has now completely changed. Nowadays, there are a variety of leis, and some contain chocolates, bars of chocs and even money.
I also don't see them at airports anymore, but they are prolific, particularly at graduations where Pasifika students are, and they come in all different shapes and sizes. You can also coordinate the colours, like the ones in the pic with gold and blues above or with various coloured wrapping, like the ones below with a chocolate theme.
Even Tongan varieties have their own woven pattern that is not enclosed, draping them upon the recipient with ribbons. I even saw feathers (unsure if they were Maori), but they piqued my interest as it's the first time I've seen feathers used. I also saw one made into a type of hat. Now that was a first.
Suffice it to say that this won't be the first graduation to see innovation with feathers incorporated and even a hat whereby lolly/choc leis are a symbol of celebration, albeit at graduations where families celebrate their family member's success. Neither will it be the last...
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