Healing Hands: Crafting Care from Medicine to Lei Making

By: Jamie McDermott

“May day is Lei Day in Hawaii nei” is a saying that rings through the air every May 1st in Hawaii. Have you ever seen visitors wearing flowers around their necks? Or noticed hula dancers draped in floral designs at a luau?

What is the history?

In 1923, the Hawaiʻi Territorial Legislature passed Joint Resolution No. 1, recognizing floral emblems. This resolution aimed to designate the hibiscus (aloalo) as the official flower emblem of the territory. Their argument succeeded by drawing on the widely accepted association between specific colors, lei, and their corresponding islands. As time passed, more people started wearing leis on May 1, giving rise to the tradition of “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii.” Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when large gatherings were limited, the island community found creative ways to honor this uniquely Hawaiian celebration.

What is a lei?

A lei is a traditional Hawaiian garland or wreath, often made from flowers, leaves, shells, nuts, or even feathers. It is commonly worn around the neck or head and is given as a symbol of love, respect, celebration, or honor. Leis are often exchanged during special occasions such as birthdays, graduations, weddings, and the Hawaiian holiday Lei Day on May 1. My personal favorite is a combination of puakenikeni flowers and ti leaves.

What does this represent?

Many of my colleagues entering medical school came with me from the Biomedical Sciences Master’s Program. Through that experience, I formed long-term friendships and a strong support system that fueled my motivation and eagerness to thrive in medical school. When my family flew to Arizona from Hawai‘i, they brought a plastic bag filled to the brim with handmade leis, each thoughtfully designed for those friends. I chose plumeria for compassion, gardenia for resilience, and crown flower for stability.

To me, a lei represents more than just a token of celebration. Deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, it symbolizes love, respect, unity, and the passing of knowledge—values that resonate deeply within the field of surgery. Just as a lei is carefully crafted from individual flowers, each contributing to its beauty and significance, surgery is built upon meticulous skill, teamwork, and dedication to patient care.

The act of giving and receiving a lei mirrors mentorship in surgery, where experienced surgeons pass down wisdom and techniques to the next generation. Similarly, just as leis are worn to honor achievements and milestones, the surgical field celebrates perseverance and excellence, whether through white coat ceremonies, graduations, or the privilege of earning the title of “surgeon.”

Ultimately, both the lei and surgery embody a commitment to tradition, growth, and a profound sense of responsibility to others. While many places may not have the same native flowers as Hawai‘i, I encourage everyone to look up a tutorial, create a lei with the resources available to them, and take a moment to admire the beauty of their creation.

Author Bio

Jamie McDermott is a third year medical student at Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is from the island of Kauai and double majored in Biochemistry and Psychology at Central Washington University. Her current interests are colorectal surgery and surgical oncology. She is a proud member of the Association of Women Surgeons and serves on the AWS Communications Committee. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two cats, riflery, and baking treats for her colleagues.