Thursday, April 5, 2012

Frangipani





Had a bit of discussion recently about the Frangipani.

In South East Asia, this is known as the grave yard flower, and plants are seen in Muslim cemetaries. When I was living in Singapore, in Nanyang University, at the entrance to some apartment blocks, the authorities had planted two Frangipanis on either side of the entrance. There was some talk about this. Why of all flowers did they grow the Frangipani.

Someone did kill himself jumping down the apartment block. Bad Feng Shui, people said.

In modern Polynesian culture, women wear them to indicate their relationship status - over the right ear if seeking a relationship, and over the left if she's been taken.

I was flying home one day from Australia to New Zealand.

The cabin crew announced, "Down the plane is the beautiful __________, in the front is the beautiful ___________, and I am the most beautiful of them all."

Sir Charles Branson must have trained them all. One of them had a frangipani in her ear. I forgot which ear.




Frangipanis are used by the Polynesians to make leis to welcome people. My polynesian students tell me that when a woman wears the Frangipani on her ear, you need to be careful. If she wears it over her right ear, she is available. If she wears it over her left ear, you should not flirt with her, otherwise her husband will not only cop your ear. He will cop your head.


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25 comments:

Vores have said...

Great pictures you show
Wishing you a happy Easter.
Hugs Hanne Bente / hbt.finus.dk

Lavender and Vanilla Friends of the Gardens said...

Hi Ann, Frangipani have always been my favourites. I grow a few trees. The scent and the flowers are outstanding. The pink one you feature is gorgeous, and the top one has always been my favourite.

LindyLouMac said...

Calling by as another Floral Friday Foto participant, I love this flower but never knew so much about it until I read this delightful post.

Libby said...

Beautiful flowers!! I loved all the information and stories...really interesting and well-written!

Modern Mom said...

Lovely Frangipani!

Pink Tulips

The JR said...

I like the pink one!

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Great post, Ann. Always useful to know about the ears on which the frangipani is worn... Have a Happy Easter!

Thank you for participating in Floral Friday Fotos!

RobertN said...

Lovely! Best wishes!

Anonymous said...

Such pretty flowers and interesting facts.

Gemma Wiseman said...

The frangipani is such a sweetly scented, pretty flower whose shape reminds me of a star!

Maia T said...

I like to read about far away traditions and you've made this post really interesting.

I've seen this flower in pictures but it's the first time I see the plant it grows on. We don't have it.

Unknown said...

the pink franginani is gorgeous, and they smell so good, too.

Crown of Thorns

Roan said...

Interesting and beautiful flower. I think I like the pink variety the best.

Ebie said...

Hi Ann, I never realize that they grow this flower like a bonsai. I usually see them planted on the ground.

They are beautiful flowers and love the sweet scent.

sharonssunlitmemories said...

I love Frangipani - they are my favourite flower (all the shades they come in) I live in Europe now but I grew up in subtropical Durban (South Africa) - frangipani grew everywhere and I can still 'smell' them even though I have not seen one for years!

Lovely post.

Sara Chapman said...

My mother grew a frangipani in South Florida, USA. She told me that they are called that because when they are dormant and lose their leaves every year, the branches look like baguettes, or French Bread! And they do!

NatureFootstep said...

a very beautiful flower. I like the simplicity of it.

Lui said...

What a funny story, Ann.

I love Frangipani and you got a clear clean shot this week!

Channal said...

Lovely flowers! I long for summer! Still snow in Sweden! Happy Easter... Anna

Carver said...

Fragipani is such a beautiful flower and it has a lovely scent too.

Unknown said...

beautiful flower
it would mean that I would have to wear it over my left ear :)

Halcyon said...

Beautiful blooms! They must smell great too. :)

Maia T said...

They are very beautiful flowers and with so much symbolism.
Thanks for stopping by my other blog too.

Karin M. said...

Wonderful flowers, beautiful photos ..
Warm greetings, Karin

online florist said...

Ann, now that was some info about Frangipani related to women and cemetary. However, We have one plant at our home!
singapore florist