When the petals of the hibiscus flower start to open, you’re in for a real treat. There are few flowers with quite the immediate splendor and beauty of the hibiscus. Most commonly found in tropical environments, it is quick to blossom, fades fast, and comes back just as bright.
It’s easy to see the symbolic link between beauty, femininity, and the hibiscus. The large petals have a strange delicacy to them, while the protruding stalks are instantly eye-catching. Typically brightly colored, in tropical countries it is a symbol of welcome.
The hibiscus has a fascinating cultural history, and a symbolism that echoes today. With meanings of femininity and love,it can make a wonderful gift. To learn more about the this flower and its uses, as well as some tips on growing, take a look at this complete guide.
Beautiful and vibrant, you’re likely to be pleased with a gift of the hibiscus flower. And when you find out the meaning behind it, you’ll be even more charmed. The flower is typically a symbol of beauty, femininity, and love.
A tropical flower that enjoys the heat, many well-loved this flower for its incredible and showy flowers. When the it comes into bloom, everyone stops to take notice. But as quickly as the flowers come, they fade away. The flower can bloom for as little as a single day.
It is closely associated with tropical destinations, and it’s a symbol of enduring beauty.
Etymological Meaning Of The Flower
The common name for hibiscus has survived since the days of the Ancient Greeks, who called this plant ibiskos. Ibiskos means “marshmallow”, and was given to the plant Althaea officinalis, which had been used to make marshmallows!
You can trace back the name hibiscus to Pedanius Dioscorides, a Greek physician known for writing De Materia Medica (On Medical Material).
Sometimes many knows it as the rose mallow, or the rose of Sharon.
Symbolism Of The Flower
Eye-catching and distinctive, it’s no wonder that the hibiscus has become such an interesting symbol. Flowering only for a day or two, these brief blooms are difficult to forget, and impossible to ignore.
It is an undeniably beautiful flower, and often a symbol of beauty. Blossoming briefly, it attracts adoration for its incredible display of color and delicacy. It’s easy to see why this is a flower that attracts and symbolizes adoration of beauty.
This flower also symbolized femininity. The delicate spread of petals, with their gentle rippling and fascinating coloring, are symbols of all things feminine. Many gives it to women, in appreciation of their charm.
But the short-lived hibiscus can also symbolize the fleeting nature of things. In China, it is frequently a symbol of fame, and how quickly it can fade.
In Hawaii, this flower has a great deal of symbolism. The yellow Hibiscus brackenridgei is the state flower of Hawaii, and frequently symbolize hospitality and welcome. They also heavily prize the Hibiscus leis and they sometime use the blossoms to symbolize beauty.
A hibiscus flower tucked behind a lady’s left ear was a symbol she was in a relationship. If it was tucked behind her right ear, she was single.
As with so many flowers, the symbolism of the hibiscus can vary depending on the color of the petals. These flowers can be quite striking in their coloring, which makes it all the more important to pay attention to the shade.
The white hibiscus symbolizes purity, and innocence. This often relates to a pure beauty, and sometimes to femininity. A gift for a young woman or girl.
The pink hibiscus is a symbol of friendship, and non-romantic love. Many gives it as a gift of caring, and to show a special bond of platonic love. A gift of this makes a friend smile, and show your appreciation of them.
Red hibiscus symbolizes love, but this is a romantic love. It symbolize passion, and is a wonderful gift on Valentine’s Day, or an anniversary. As it blooms so quickly, a gift of this shows special care and consideration.
Purple is a color typically associating with royalty, and the purple hibiscus is no different. It also symbolize wisdom. A gift of this shows respect for a person. You might give it to someone you look up to, or a person you feel influences you greatly.
Finally, the sunny yellow hibiscus. This joyful flower represents happiness and friendship, as well as welcome. This should bring a smile to the face of any recipient.
Meaningful Botanical Characteristics Of The Flower
A tropical plant, the bright and wild colors of the hibiscus are best enjoyed in the warm sunshine. But for those living in colder climates, it can still be a lovely addition to your yard. Look for the hardy ones instead of the tropical ones, and bring it indoors over winter.
This flower blossoms briefly. In a day or two, the flower is gone. But a new one quickly comes along to replace the old one, which means that it can flower for quite a long time.
The quick bloom and speedy replacement has pushed many to see the flower as a symbol of beauty. It may lose its flowers frequently, but it is always beautiful.
Once the flower has become spent on the hibiscus, you need to pinch it off. This will encourage new buds, and keep it looking vibrant. Water and sunlight are also important. You should water it frequently to keep it flowering. When it starts to dry out, it produces fewer flowers.
Sunlight is another essential factor. It is typically in tropical environments, so it needs sunlight to thrive. Although they can flower in dappled sunlight, it much prefers at least two hours of sunlight per day. Without this, you won’t get those spectacular flowers.
A symbol of beauty and femininity, the hibiscus flower is typically given to women. But everyone can enjoy it, and it looks fantastic in all kinds of arrangements.
If you’re looking to give a declaration of love, the red indicates passion. They make a stunning alternative to roses as a Valentine’s Day or anniversary gift. But they can (and should) be given year round! A bouquet starring red hibiscus can be a declaration of feeling.
Pink hibiscus, on the other hand, symbolizes friendship. An arrangement featuring this can be a birthday gift, or as a show of appreciation for someone special. Many also use purple hibiscus to show appreciation, especially if it’s for someone you look up to.
The delicate white hibiscus closely associates with purity. For a young woman, this is a lovely gift.
And yellow hibiscus, a symbol of welcome and joy, people should give in celebration.
In Fiji, the week-long hibiscus festival is held every year in August. The main event is the crowning of the winner of the Miss Hibiscus beauty pageant. The Hibiscus festival is a celebration of beauty, and of the unique culture of Fiji.
Flowers Cultural Significance
Many cultures across the world have placed a special significance on the hibiscus. This is particularly true in Hawaii. It is the national flower of Hawaii, and is used to symbolize welcome and beauty. It is sometimes used to make leis – ornate flower garlands – although leis are quite rare.
If you see a woman in Hawaii or Tahiti with a hibiscus flower behind their ear, it is a symbol of their romantic status. A flower of this kind behind the left ear traditionally indicated a woman in a relationship, and if it was behind the right ear, she was single.
In Hinduism, red hibiscus flowers associated with the goddess Kali. Artworks often depicted the flower and Kali together,, sometimes merging into a single form. A fierce protector, the vibrant red represents the strength of the goddess. An offering of the flower can be made to Kali.
Several states and countries, such as Haiti, have adopted the flower as the national symbol. The Solomon Islands and Niue both use it as the national flower, and the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the national flower of Malaysia. In South Korea, the Hibiscus syriacus is the national flower.
Flower Facts
Like the large blooms, the hibiscus can be a big plant. Surprisingly, some species of it are trees, and can grow up to 15 feet tall.
The trumpet shaped flowers are distinctive for their colorful petals and the protruding pistil and stigma.
It very rarely has a scent, and only a few species produce a light floral smell. But they still attract plenty of butterflies and hummingbirds. Many choose to plant the it to attract hummingbirds to their yard.
The Hibiscus syriacus is the national flower of South Korea, and even gets a mention in the national anthem.
In many parts of the Caribbean, a glass of its tea, known as sorrel, is a traditional Christmas beverage. Brewed with hibiscus, ginger, sugar, and spices, the drink is served chilled.
Hibiscus cannabinus, otherwise known as kenaf, can be used to make paper. The fibers of the Hibiscus tiliaceus can be used for rope making, and the building of canoes.
Some parts of Asia knows it as the shoe flower. This unusual name comes from a popular use for the petals — they’re used for polishing shoes.
Hibiscus tea is drunk in many parts of the world, and is enjoyed for its tartness and rich coloring. Hibiscus sabdariffa is steeped in hot water, and can be served warm or cold. This tea is traditionally brewed in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Drinking sour hibiscus tea has been shown to potentially lower blood pressure.
The flowers are also edible. Dried and sometimes candied, this flower is typically a garnish on a dessert. The roselle, or hibiscus sabdariffa, can also be eaten. It’s often used as a vegetable in the Philippines.
It is also a popular ingredient in hair care and cosmetics. The red of certain hibiscus flowers can also be used as a non-permanent hair dye. Many says it soften the skin, and provide an even glow.
But the most popular use of this flower is decoration. The hibiscus is an incredibly beautiful flower, with bold coloring and curled petals.
It’s also quite a hardy plant, and can adapt to a variety of growing situations. Because of this, the hibiscus frequently bring visual excitement to gardens.
What Is The Symbolism Of A Hibiscus Flower Tattoo?
The distinctive shaping of the hibiscus makes for an instantly recognizable tattoo. Those who are from Hawaii, or feel a special connection to the state, may want a hibiscus tattoo to honor that bond.
As these incredible blossoms deeply connected to the islands, a hibiscus tattoo is an attractive way to pay tribute. The welcoming yellow hibiscus is a particularly good choice to represent Hawaii.
A hibiscus tattoo can also be an expression of love, or beauty. And as they are such beautiful flowers, the tattoo can simply be an admiration of natural splendor.
Final Thoughts
When the hibiscus flower starts to blossom, it’s hard not to fall in love with this spectacular plant. Colorful and bold, the hibiscus has been charming different cultures for centuries. Most closely linked with tropical destinations, the hibiscus is a symbol for beauty and love.
Blossoming briefly but frequently, the hibiscus can add color and vibrancy to your life. The exciting symbolism of the hibiscus means it’s definitely one to consider when you’re next planning an arrangement!
Diane has always been interested in spirituality and self-improvement. She is a happy and outgoing person. She started her spiritual journey with Chandra while looking for tools to bring positivity to their lives. She boosts her mind with self-care and affirmations. However, she also knows what crystals to wear based on her feelings. She also practices the law of attraction.
