Sometimes known as the rose mallow or rose of Sharon, hibiscus flowers grow in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates worldwide, from Haiti to Hawaii, India to Illinois. They are beloved for their bright colors and delicate beauty. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the meaning and symbolism of hibiscus flowers.
Table of Contents:
- Hibiscus Flower Symbolism – Key Takeaways
- Etymological Meaning
- HibiscusFlowerMeaningand Symbolism
- HibiscusFlowers in Hawaiian Culture
- HibiscusFlowers in Greek Mythology
- HibiscusFlowers in Ancient Egypt
- HibiscusFlowers in Hinduism
- HibiscusFlowers in Chinese Culture
- HibiscusFlowers in Malaysia
- HibiscusFlowers in Haiti
- HibiscusFlowers in Victorian Times
- Floral Symbols in Tattoos
- Suitable Gifting Occasions
- Hibiscus Flower FAQs:
Hibiscus Flower Symbolism – Key Takeaways
Hibiscus grow as perennials or annuals in climates ranging from tropical to temperate. These popular ornamental plants flower in a rainbow of colorful blooms, many imbued with meaning. Prized in cultures worldwide, short-lived but dramatic hibiscus flowers symbolize youth, beauty, success, glory, and femininity.
Etymological Meaning
The term “hibiscus” comes from the Greek word hibiskos or mallow. Some posit that an ancient botanist named Pedanius Dioscorides originated the term.
HibiscusFlowerMeaningand Symbolism
Hibiscusgrows in a range of colors. Many are associated withspecific meaningsor imbued with symbolism.
White Hibiscus Flowers
Whitehibiscusflowers are associated with purity. In some cultures, this translates into an association with women, femininity, and innocence. Other cultures associate white blooms with beauty.
Yellow Hibiscus Flowers
Yellowhibiscusblossoms are often associated with fortune and good luck. Happiness and sunshine are other meanings often attributed to yellowhibiscusflowers.
Red Hibiscus Flowers
As with red roses, redhibiscusflowermeaningis often associated with passion. It’s often used to symbolize romance and love.
Purple Hibiscus Flowers
The purplehibiscusflowermeaningis linked to knowledge and wisdom. Purple blooms may also be associated with mystery.
In some cultures, purple flowers are used to symbolize high class or royalty. They may be used to express the idea of worth or value, especially that of an individual.
Pink Hibiscus Flowers
Pink hibiscus blossoms often symbolize friendship and various types of love, such as platonic or familial. Giving someone a pink flower is a way to express that you care about them.
HibiscusFlowers in Hawaiian Culture
For residents of the Hawaiian Islands, hibiscus flowers have many special cultural meanings and uses. In fact, Hibiscus brackenridgei, a yellow species endemic to the Islands, is the state flower. Known in native Hawaiian as ma’o hau hele, they used the plant for a number of purposes.
Hibiscus bark was used to make cords to secure outrigger canoes, create sandal straps, and for sewing clothing. Flowers were used as a treatment for stomach ailments, while hibiscus wood was used to create charcoal for cooking and heating.
Hibiscus blossoms also have ornamental uses in Hawaiian culture. Flowers placed in the hair are a sign of beauty. Depending on which ear they’re tucked behind, they may symbolize the wearer’s availability for a romantic relationship.
Leis featuring hibiscus blooms are also prized, though the blooms are notoriously short-lived.
As for symbolism, the flowers are often used to represent hospitality. Sometimes, they also symbolize power and respect.
HibiscusFlowers in Greek Mythology
Hibiscus flowers play a role in Greek mythology. The story of attraction and drama between the god Adonis and the goddess Aphrodite involves symbolism tied to the hibiscus blossom.
In some stories, Adonis turns into a hibiscus flower in order to stop Aphrodite from arguing with the goddess Persephone. In other variations of the tale, Aphrodite turns Adonis into an anemone flower. He’s then reborn as a handsome god.
HibiscusFlowers in Ancient Egypt
Several cultures use hibiscus tea to boost mood. But the ancient Egyptians took it a step further. They believed that the flower was an aphrodisiac and used it to arouse licentious moods. As a result, unmarried women weren’t allowed to drink hibiscus tea.
HibiscusFlowers in Hinduism
In Hinduism, the redhibiscusblossom belongs to the goddess Kali, and sometimes mayrepresent her tongue. The flowers feature prominently in art that depicts Kali, especially from the Bengal region. Often, Kali is shown merging into ahibiscusblossom.
Another deity, Lord Ganesha, is also associated withhibiscus. Ganesha is believed to prize the flowers for their ability to take consciousness to a divine level. Hindus may presenthibiscusflowers when making offerings to Kali and Ganesha.
HibiscusFlowers in Chinese Culture
In China,the hibiscus flower is often associated with personal power, fame, and glory. The blossoms may also be associated with wealth.
Both men and women can give and receivehibiscusflowers. A gift of ahibiscusmay indicate that the gifter admires the giftee or that they wish them glory and success.
HibiscusFlowers in Malaysia
The hibiscus is Malaysia’s national flower, where it’s known as Bunga Raya or “big flower”. Here, it’s a symbol of the country’s national philosophy, known as Rukun Negara.
The flower’s five red petals represent the inclusion of diverse races and ethnic groups. The hibiscus stands for unity, an important part of Malaysia’s national character.
HibiscusFlowers in Haiti
The beautiful flower is prized by Haitians; while it’s not their official national flower, it’s largely been adopted as their national symbol. In Haiti, the hibiscus has many uses. Plant extract is thought to have antiviral qualities and is used to boost immune response and regulate cholesterol.
Hibiscus is consumed as a health drink. It’s also used as an ingredient in many products, from shoe polish to fabric dye.
HibiscusFlowers in Victorian Times
In mid- to late 1800s England, the hibiscus symbolized womanhood in the Victorian language of flowers. Specifically, the flowers represented a certain style of delicate feminine beauty. Presenting a woman with a hibiscus flower was an acknowledgment of her delicate, beautiful nature.
Floral Symbols in Tattoos
Today, thehibiscusfloweris apopular tattoo choice. For some, it may represent respect for Hawaiian culture. For others, the flower represents love, friendship, power, or success.
Suitable Gifting Occasions
Hibiscus plants make a wonderful gift for anyone who appreciates bright flowers and a lush, tropical look. Red flowering plants make a perfect flower as a gesture of romantic love or passion, while pink flowers represent non-romantic love.
To wish someone success or cheer, yellow flowering hibiscus is a good choice. A gift of white blooms may be taken as a compliment on someone’s physical beauty.
Hibiscus Flower FAQs:
What is hibiscus flower used for?
Several cultures use thehibiscusfloweras an edible delicacy. In many parts of the world, blooms from thehibiscuscommonly known as roselle (H.sabdariffa)are used to make a hot or cold tea. In West Africa, the red, tart drink isknown asbissap.It’s calledaqua de jamaicain Mexico and Central America, sorrel in the Caribbean,orhulin India,karkadein Egypt, andgul e khatmiin Iran.
What does Hibiscus mean in English?
The term “hibiscus” comes from the Greekhibiskosor mallow. Some posit that an ancientbotanist named Pedanius Dioscoridesoriginated the term. Prized in cultures around the world, short-lived but dramatichibiscusflowers may symbolize youth, beauty, success, glory, or femininity.
What are the characteristics of the hibiscus flower?
Flowers bloom in a virtual rainbow of colors, from red to purple to bicolor and everything in between (except green). Depending on the variety, flower size may reach up to 12 inches across. Flowers are funnel-, trumpet- or dinner-plate shaped, with at least five petals and an erect center stalk.
Which type of flower is hibiscus?
Hibiscusbelongs to theMalvaceaeor mallowfamily,whichcontainsalmost 300 species. Depending on climate and variety,hibiscus may grow as perennials or annual shrubs or evergreen or deciduous trees.
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Introduction to Hibiscus Flowers and Their Symbolism
Hibiscus flowers, also known as rose mallow or rose of Sharon, are beloved for their bright colors and delicate beauty. They grow in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates worldwide, from Haiti to Hawaii, India to Illinois. In this response, we will explore the meaning and symbolism of hibiscus flowers, covering various concepts mentioned in this article.
Etymological Meaning of Hibiscus
The term "hibiscus" comes from the Greek word "hibiskos" or mallow. It is believed that an ancient botanist named Pedanius Dioscorides originated the term [[1]].
Symbolism and Meaning of Hibiscus Flowers
Hibiscus flowers come in a range of colors, each associated with specific meanings or imbued with symbolism. Here are some of the common associations:
- White Hibiscus Flowers: White hibiscus flowers are associated with purity and often symbolize women, femininity, and innocence [[2]].
- Yellow Hibiscus Flowers: Yellow hibiscus blossoms are often associated with fortune, good luck, happiness, and sunshine [[2]].
- Red Hibiscus Flowers: Red hibiscus flowers, similar to red roses, are often associated with passion, romance, and love [[2]].
- Purple Hibiscus Flowers: Purple hibiscus flowers are linked to knowledge, wisdom, and may symbolize high class or royalty in some cultures. They can also represent mystery [[2]].
- Pink Hibiscus Flowers: Pink hibiscus blossoms often symbolize friendship and various types of love, such as platonic or familial love [[2]].
Hibiscus Flowers in Different Cultures
- Hibiscus Flowers in Hawaiian Culture: In Hawaiian culture, hibiscus flowers have special meanings and uses. The yellow hibiscus species endemic to the islands, known as ma'o hau hele, is the state flower. Hibiscus bark was used for various purposes, such as making cords, sandal straps, and sewing clothing. The flowers were used as a treatment for stomach ailments, and hibiscus wood was used for cooking and heating. Hibiscus flowers are also used ornamentally, symbolizing beauty and hospitality [[3]].
- Hibiscus Flowers in Greek Mythology: Hibiscus flowers play a role in Greek mythology, particularly in the story of Adonis and Aphrodite. In some versions, Adonis turns into a hibiscus flower to prevent an argument between Aphrodite and Persephone. In other variations, Aphrodite turns Adonis into an anemone flower, and he is later reborn as a handsome god [[4]].
- Hibiscus Flowers in Ancient Egypt: In ancient Egypt, hibiscus flowers were believed to be an aphrodisiac and were used to arouse licentious moods. Unmarried women were not allowed to drink hibiscus tea [[5]].
- Hibiscus Flowers in Hinduism: In Hinduism, the red hibiscus blossom is associated with the goddess Kali and may represent her tongue. Lord Ganesha is also associated with hibiscus flowers, which are believed to elevate consciousness to a divine level. Hindus often present hibiscus flowers as offerings to Kali and Ganesha [[6]].
- Hibiscus Flowers in Chinese Culture: In Chinese culture, hibiscus flowers are associated with personal power, fame, glory, and wealth. Both men and women can give and receive hibiscus flowers as gifts, symbolizing admiration, glory, and success [[7]].
- Hibiscus Flowers in Malaysia: The hibiscus is Malaysia's national flower, known as Bunga Raya or "big flower." It represents unity and is a symbol of the country's national philosophy. The five red petals of the hibiscus represent the inclusion of diverse races and ethnic groups [[8]].
- Hibiscus Flowers in Haiti: Although not the official national flower, hibiscus is widely adopted as a national symbol in Haiti. The plant extract is thought to have antiviral qualities and is used for various purposes, including immune response and cholesterol regulation. Hibiscus is also consumed as a health drink and used in products like shoe polish and fabric dye [[9]].
- Hibiscus Flowers in Victorian Times: In Victorian England, hibiscus flowers symbolized womanhood and delicate feminine beauty. Presenting a woman with a hibiscus flower was seen as an acknowledgment of her delicate and beautiful nature [[10]].
Hibiscus Flower Characteristics
Hibiscus flowers bloom in a virtual rainbow of colors, ranging from red to purple to bicolor. They can reach up to 12 inches in size and have funnel-, trumpet-, or dinner-plate shapes. The flowers typically have at least five petals and an erect center stalk. Hibiscus belongs to the Malvaceae or mallow family, which includes almost 300 species. Depending on the climate and variety, hibiscus may grow as perennials, annual shrubs, or evergreen or deciduous trees [[11]].
Uses of Hibiscus Flowers
Apart from their symbolism, hibiscus flowers have various practical uses in different cultures. For example:
- Several cultures use hibiscus flowers to make hot or cold tea. In West Africa, it is known as "bissap," while in Mexico and Central America, it is called "agua de jamaica." In the Caribbean, it is referred to as "sorrel," and in India, it is known as "karkade." Hibiscus tea is consumed for its taste and potential health benefits [[12]].
- In Hawaiian culture, hibiscus flowers were used for making cords, sandal straps, and clothing. The flowers were also used as a treatment for stomach ailments, and hibiscus wood was used for cooking and heating [[3]].
- In Haiti, hibiscus is used for its antiviral properties and is consumed as a health drink. It is also used in various products, including shoe polish and fabric dye [[9]].
Conclusion
Hibiscus flowers are not only visually stunning but also carry rich symbolism and cultural significance in various parts of the world. From their association with purity and passion to their representation of friendship and success, hibiscus flowers have diverse meanings. Understanding these meanings can deepen our appreciation for the beauty and cultural significance of these vibrant blooms.
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