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tsurus
Tsurus are origami paper cranes. Cranes are said to live for a thousand years; they mate for life, and are known for withstanding adversity. The tsuru is a symbol of fortune, longevity, happiness, fidelity, and peace. A Japanese Hawaiian tradition has the couple and their family fold 1001 origami cranes before the wedding, to fill the marriage with happiness, good luck, and longevity. These cranes, often made out of metallic origami paper, are made into beautiful mobiles or framings to be displayed at the reception.
leis
A Hawaiian wedding custom involves the bride and groom exchanging decorative leis, or flower garlands, during the marriage ceremony. Traditionally, the groom wears a fragarant green maile lei, which has braided strands of maile vines with broad leaves and is worn across the shoulders, while the bride wears a haku lei, ferns and flowers (often white orchids or tuberose) worn around the head.
money dance
The money dance is common at Hawaiian weddings. During this festive dance, guests offer money to the bride and groom for the honor of dancing with the couple.
banzai toast
A Japanese tradition is to have two banzai toasts during the reception. For these traditional toasts to the bride and groom, someone raises a glass and shouts "Shin ro, Shin pu, Banzai!" ("To the groom, to the bride, banzai!") The rest of the guests respond by raising their glasses and yelling "Banzai!" The toast is usually led by someone with a loud, booming voice (the louder the better!) three times, enthusiastically followed each time by the guests.
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