Aloha!
The Hawaiian Islands are one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The mountains are covered in greenery, the ocean sparkling nearby, and the tropical plants all make the Hawaiian Islands a popular vacation spot. The warm weather and tropical breeze are also something that might cause you to want to pack up your bags and move there for good.
It's a popular tradition to receive Hawaiian flowers when you step foot on the islands. You're likely to receive a lei which is a necklace made entirely out of Hawaiian flowers. This is a tradition that makes entering these beautiful lands one to remember.
Engaging with the locals is also an experience. If you find yourself at a Luau, then you'll experience firsthand the traditions, history, and culture of the Hawaiian natives.
One of the most popular traditions is wearing Hawaiian flowers in your hair. But, did you know that there are secret messages you can send by wearing these flowers?
Wearing a specific flower in a particular place have secret meanings. Want to learn what these messages are? Read on to find out.
Hawaiian Flowers: Can You Decode the Secret Message?
Hawaii is known for its unique and beautiful array of flowers. These flowers come in all shapes, sizes, and scents that you'll want to recreate in your home. Each accessory or lei created can also be unique to the local island and its specific cultural history and vegetation.
Many people don't know, however, that wearing flowers denotes a secret message. If a woman wears a flower behind her left ear, then it means that she's married, taken, or not interested in any suitors. If she wears the flower behind her right ear, then it means that she is single and ready to mingle.
Other flower accessories such as leis worn around the head, ankles, wrists, and neck also have significance. These are worn on special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or graduation parties.
They symbolize celebration and a connection to Hawaiian history and tradition. Different leis are also worn at luaus and hula dancing shows to accentuate the dancers' movements.
Hula dancers also wear these flowers on their hips to dramatize their movements. Wearing flower leis along the hips also creates motion which enhances the hula dancing experience.
To learn more about Hawaiin flowers and how to wear them, read more here.
So, what are some flowers commonly used in these traditional accessories? And, what are some flowers commonly associated with Hawaii? Explore the following flower species and their uses in Hawaii.
1. Plumeria
If you're a blogger, then plumerias will definitely give you something to write about. The plumeria has a soft, floral scent like no other. It's commonly used in lotions, soaps, and candles because it reminds us of the Hawaiian breeze and a trip to the spa.
Plumerias are white, pink, red, or yellow flowers. Plumerias are often found in leis and grown in some cases for the purpose of making leis.
Plumerias represent love, birth, and springtime. Traditionally, only royalty was permitted to wear plumeria leis, but now they are commonly worn by locals and visitors alike.
2. Orchid
The orchid was also a flower worn by royalty. The orchid flowers are now used to create leis which are traditionally purple and white. However, the orchid comes in a variety of other colors making it a versatile flower to use in flower arrangements.
It's also sturdy which makes it a great choice for leis of all kinds.
3. Hibiscus
Hibiscus are the flower traditional worn by women behind their ears. This is because the hibiscus represents beauty.
The yellow hibiscus is also the state flower of Hawaii. They are grown nearly everywhere in Hawaii, so they aren't hard to miss when on a family outing.
These flowers are trumpet-shaped and come in a variety of colors varying from pink to orange and even purple. When the flower is mature, its fruit which is connected to a long, stem-like structure will emerge. The fruit and stem-like structure are red and white.
4. Bird of Paradise
Commonly associated with a 9th wedding anniversary, the bird of paradise represents joyfulness. These flowers resemble flying birds.
These flowers, however, are not native to Hawaii. They were brought to Hawaii from South Africa but grow well in the Hawaiin climate.
5. Mokihana
The Mokihana's berries are the official lei material in Kauai. The Mokihana is a citrus tree. The berries must be picked and strung by hand in order to achieve the perfect lei flower necklace or accessory.
The Mokihana lei is worn by men and women on the Hawaiian islands.
6. Anthurium
The anthurium flower is typically bright red and has a waxy-like texture. From the middle of the flower emerge its stem and seeds.
The anthurium, however, is also not native to Hawaii. It was brought to Hawaii from England but flourishes in Hawaii's humid climate.
7. Heliconia
Believe it or not, the heliconia is a close relative to the banana. It can tower at over 20 feet and its red flowers resemble lobster claws or a toucan beak. Some also refer to the heliconia as the false bird of paradise.
8. Ginger
Ginger is not native to Hawaii, but it grows well on the Hawaiian islands. It is instead, originally from Malaysia.
In Hawaii, you can find ginger in red, yellow, blue, pink, or white. Ginger root is commonly used to soothe upset stomachs and as a spice. Ginger can also be used in flower arrangements which makes them a very useful flower and plant overall.
Hawaiian Flowers: How Will You Wear Them?
Hawaiian flowers are hard to miss when you're vacationing in Hawaii. For that reason, it's a good thing that they are so richly used in a variety of celebrations and special events.
So, the next time you're going to Hawaii, consider how you will wear your Hawaiian flowers. Who knows, if you wear them the right way, you may just meet the love of your life!
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