Lei is a garland or wreath. More loosely defined, a lei is any series of objects strung together with the intent to be worn.The most popular concept of a lei in Hawaiian culture is a wreath of flowers presented upon arriving or leaving as a symbol of affection.This concept was popularized through tourism between the Hawaiian Islands and the continental United States in the 19th and 20th centuries.f due to allergies or other reasons a person cannot wear a lei which has just been given (for instance a musician who would tangle the lei in his or her guitar strap), the lei is displayed in a place of honor, such as the musician's music stand or microphone stand.