How to Make a Money Lei: The Art of Creating Hawaiian Graduation Treasures

The first time I attempted to make a money lei, I was sitting on my living room floor surrounded by crumpled dollar bills, ribbon that wouldn't cooperate, and a growing sense that I'd bitten off more than I could chew. My niece's graduation was in two days, and I'd confidently told my sister I'd handle making the traditional Hawaiian money lei. What I discovered over the next several hours transformed my understanding of this beautiful cultural practice – and taught me that there's far more to these monetary garlands than simply stringing cash together.

Money leis have become synonymous with graduations across Hawaii and increasingly throughout the mainland United States. But their significance runs deeper than just a clever way to gift cash. In Hawaiian culture, leis represent love, respect, and celebration. When you add currency to this tradition, you're creating something that bridges practical gift-giving with profound cultural meaning.

The Cultural Tapestry Behind Money Leis

Before diving into the nuts and bolts of construction, let me share something that changed my perspective entirely. During a trip to Oahu, I spoke with an elderly woman at a local craft store who'd been making leis for over forty years. She told me that money leis emerged as a modern adaptation of traditional flower leis, born from the practical needs of students heading off to college. "Flowers wilt," she said with a knowing smile, "but dollars help with textbooks."

This evolution speaks to the adaptability of Hawaiian culture – honoring tradition while embracing practical innovation. The money lei maintains the circular form representing eternal love and connection, but transforms ephemeral beauty into lasting financial support.

Gathering Your Materials: Beyond the Obvious

You'll need more than just cash and ribbon. Through trial and error (emphasis on error), I've discovered that preparation makes the difference between a lei that looks professionally crafted and one that screams "last-minute panic."

Start with crisp bills. I cannot stress this enough. That wrinkled five-dollar bill from your pocket won't fold properly, and trust me, you'll curse yourself halfway through. Most people use ones, fives, or tens, though I've seen elaborate versions with twenties and even fifties for particularly momentous occasions. The amount typically ranges from $20 to $200, depending on your relationship to the graduate and your budget.

For ribbon, satin works beautifully, though some prefer grosgrain for its texture. Width matters – too narrow and it gets lost among the bills, too wide and it overwhelms them. I've found 5/8 inch to be the sweet spot. Color choice often reflects school colors or the graduate's preferences, though traditional green (to match the money) remains popular.

You'll also need small rubber bands or clear tape, scissors, and patience. So much patience.

The Folding Techniques That Make All the Difference

Here's where most online tutorials fall short – they show you one basic fold and call it a day. But the fold you choose dramatically impacts your lei's final appearance. Let me walk you through the options I've mastered over countless graduations.

The butterfly fold creates the most visual impact. Take your bill and fold it accordion-style lengthwise, creating about five or six folds. Pinch it in the middle and secure with a small rubber band. When fanned out, it resembles butterfly wings. This technique works especially well with newer bills that hold their shape.

The rosette fold takes more time but produces stunning results. Start by folding the bill in half lengthwise, then roll it into a tight spiral. As you release it slightly, it naturally forms a rose-like shape. Secure the base with tape or a rubber band. I learned this technique from a Filipino colleague who mentioned similar decorations are used in their graduation traditions – a beautiful example of how different cultures can enhance each other's practices.

The fan fold offers simplicity and elegance. Fold the bill accordion-style widthwise, creating a compact fan. It uses less space on the ribbon, allowing for more bills or additional decorative elements.

Assembly: Where Patience Meets Creativity

Once you've prepared your folded bills, the real work begins. Cut your ribbon to approximately 40-44 inches – this creates a lei that sits comfortably around the neck without being too tight or too loose. Though I've seen people go longer for dramatic effect, especially for taller graduates.

Thread each folded bill onto the ribbon, spacing them evenly. This is where personal preference comes into play. Some people prefer bills touching for a full, lush appearance. Others space them out, alternating with ribbon bows or small flowers. I've developed a preference for slight spacing – about a finger's width – which creates visual breathing room while maintaining impact.

One technique I stumbled upon accidentally has become my signature move. After threading all the bills, I go back and slightly twist each one, creating a spiral effect down the length of the lei. It adds dimension and catches light beautifully in graduation photos.

The Finishing Touches That Elevate Your Creation

The difference between a good money lei and a spectacular one often lies in the details. Consider adding small silk flowers between bills – plumeria or orchids honor Hawaiian tradition while adding color. Some crafters incorporate school-themed charms or small photos of the graduate.

For the closure, resist the urge to simply tie a knot. Create a proper bow, ensuring the ends are even and the loops are full. I've seen people add a small card here with a personal message, though I prefer letting the lei speak for itself.

Presentation and Gifting Etiquette

The giving of a lei carries its own protocol. In Hawaiian tradition, leis are presented with a kiss on the cheek and should never be refused. They're worn with the bow at the back of the neck, and removing a lei in the giver's presence is considered rude.

I learned this the hard way at my first Hawaiian graduation ceremony. Watching graduates accumulate lei after lei, wearing them all despite the weight and heat, drove home the respect accorded to each gift. By the end of the ceremony, some students were so laden with leis – both flower and money – they could barely see over them. It's a beautiful problem to have.

Modern Variations and Creative Adaptations

The traditional money lei has spawned numerous creative variations. I've seen candy leis for younger graduates, where bills alternate with wrapped sweets. There's the "book lei" where money is folded into origami books, perfect for the studious graduate. Some crafters create themed leis – bills folded into tiny graduation caps or formed into the graduate's initials.

One particularly memorable creation I encountered was a "journey lei" where bills from different countries were incorporated, representing the graduate's study abroad experiences. It required coordination among family members but resulted in a deeply personal and meaningful gift.

Troubleshooting Common Pitfalls

Let me save you from my mistakes. Bills that won't hold their fold? A light spray of starch works wonders. Ribbon that frays at the ends? Clear nail polish creates an invisible seal. Running out of ribbon with bills still to thread? This is why I now cut my ribbon last, after laying out all my folded bills to gauge the needed length.

The biggest challenge often comes from perfectionism. Your first money lei won't look like those Pinterest-perfect examples, and that's okay. The recipient will appreciate the time, effort, and love invested far more than they'll notice if one butterfly fold is slightly askew.

The Deeper Meaning in Modern Times

As I've made more money leis over the years, I've come to appreciate them as more than just practical gifts. They represent a community's investment in a young person's future. Each bill, carefully folded and placed, carries hopes and dreams. The circular form reminds graduates that though they're moving forward, they remain connected to their roots.

In an age of Venmo and digital transfers, the tactile nature of a money lei feels almost rebellious. It requires presence, effort, and planning. You can't last-minute text a money lei. This physical manifestation of support and celebration carries weight – literally and figuratively.

A Personal Reflection on Tradition and Innovation

That first money lei I made for my niece? It was far from perfect. Some bills faced different directions, the spacing was uneven, and I definitely used too much tape. But when I presented it to her at graduation, her eyes lit up. She wore it proudly throughout the ceremony and kept it displayed in her dorm room for her entire freshman year.

Making money leis has become my graduation season tradition. Each one is an opportunity to meditate on the graduate's journey and future. As my hands fold and thread, I think about their achievements, their potential, their dreams. It's become a practice of mindfulness disguised as craft project.

The beauty of the money lei tradition lies in its accessibility. You don't need special training or expensive materials. You need time, attention, and care – the same ingredients required for any meaningful gift. Whether you follow traditional methods or innovate your own approach, the act of creating something beautiful and practical with your own hands carries power in our increasingly digital world.

So the next time you're invited to a graduation, consider setting aside an evening to create a money lei. Put on some music, clear your table, and let yourself sink into the meditative rhythm of folding and threading. You'll be participating in a tradition that honors the past while supporting the future, one carefully folded bill at a time.

Authoritative Sources:

Kanahele, George S. Hawaiian Values. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1986.

Lee, Anne Kapulani. "The Lei: Hawaii's Symbol of Aloha." Hawaiian Culture and History, Bishop Museum Archives, 2019.

Mitchell, Donald D. Kilolani. Resource Units in Hawaiian Culture. Honolulu: Kamehameha Schools Press, 1992.

Pukui, Mary Kawena, and Samuel H. Elbert. Hawaiian Dictionary: Hawaiian-English, English-Hawaiian. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1986.

Stagner, Ishmael W. "Graduation Traditions in Hawaii's Multicultural Society." Pacific Studies, vol. 42, no. 3, 2019, pp. 245-267.