Did you know that the Tiare flower (the Tahitian gardenia or also known as the Gardenia taitensis) is the national flower of The Islands of Tahiti? More than 110 million flowers are harvested each year throughout French Polynesia.
There’s a lot to know about the Tiare flower and the Tahitian culture that uses it. Let’s read on for a brief guide on Tiare flower uses and more.
The Original Legend about the Tiare Flower
If we go back to ancient Polynesian mythology, the Tiare flower was actually introduced by the God Δtea. Δtea presented the flower to mortal but proud human beings as a sign of peace.
Once these proud humans accepted the flower from Δtea, they gave up their prideful ways and adopted a more loving and kind lifestyle. That’s why the Tiare flower has represented harmony ever since.
You probably didn’t know this, but in the past, due to its Godly nature, the Tiare flower was only reserved for the elites. This is a far cry from the way it’s used currently, where anyone is allowed to bask in the beauty and scent of the Tiare flower.
Tiare Flower Uses
The Tiare flower is used in a wide variety of ways by the Tahitian people. All the way from medicine to decor to beauty and more.
It’s quite common for guests visiting the Polynesian island to be greeted with a garland of unopened Tiare flowers called lei (flower necklace). It’s a gesture of warm welcome and hospitality.
These flowers are also sewn into crowns that are used during festivals and other special events. In addition, Tahitians also place the Tiare flower into a bowl of water and let the beautiful aroma seep into their home’s atmosphere, permeating their very essence.
When the Tiare flower gets soaked into coconut oil, it creates the renowned monoi oil. This monoi oil gets used for a wide variety of hair and skin products and is an essential staple in Tahitian beauty practices. It is even found in bug repellant and tanning oil!
The Tiare flower is described as having a floral scent with subtle earthy, chocolate, and honey tones.
As you can see, the Tiare flower is part and parcel of Tahitian culture. You can’t have one without the other. It’s grown everywhere and its scent is present in the Tahitian air everywhere you walk on the island.
This Polynesian Flower Is an Integral Part Of the Tahitian Culture
Tahitian culture wouldn’t be the same without the Tiare flower in the fore- and background. That’s why it’s so important to learn more about the various aspects and uses of this flower, especially if you are planning to visit the Polynesian island shortly.
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