The Exotic Flowers of Tahiti

Flowers are a hugely important part of both culture and everyday life in Tahiti, and if you are planning a honeymoon to the island, it helps to know a little bit about both. The island is practically covered in flowers, and they are used not only decoratively, but in many other ways as well. Here, we’ll take a brief look at some of the ways in which flowers are used, as well as how you can get the most out of the different flowers you will see on your trip.

Polynesian culture is reliant on flowers for everything from decorations to ceremonies. Most women will wear at least one flower in their hair every day, either tucked behind an ear or pinned into a bun.

Flowers are also used to greet one another, to add a festive air to clothes, and to signify your position in society. If a flower is worn behind the right ear, it means you are single. Worn behind the left, it means you are married, engaged, or otherwise spoken for. If a flower is worn behind both ears, it means one is married but available. Worn backwards behind an ear, it means you are available right then. On your honeymoon to Tahiti, make sure you know how to wear your flower, so that you don’t send the wrong message!

Some of the flowers commonly seen on Tahiti include the Tahitian gardenia, which is snowy white in color and has a light fragrance. It is something of a symbol of French Polynesia. Another flower that has become a staple of the islands is the hibiscus, and ranges both in color and size from light yellow to deep red.

Heliconia, also known as red torch ginger and flamingo flowers, are often used in floral compositions and arrangements for parties, festivities, and ceremonies. If you plan on having a party for your honeymoon in Tahiti, these flowers are all fantastic to use in arrangements and decoration.

Other flowers you may see on a honeymoon to Tahiti include the paper flower, which is a flower with very fragile and thin petals, almost like tissue paper, and coming in many colors. You may see one of the many varieties of orchid, such as the Tahitian vanilla. Lastly, the temple flower is actually a little tree with leafless branches and flowers with two colors each, which creates a beautiful way to decorate gardens.