The frangipani flower (Plumeria) and Indonesia
Although basically the frangipani flower ( Bunga Kamboja ) is not native to Indonesian, but it can be said that this flower is the most important flower of Indonesian. This flower come and used in various social activities of Indonesia peoples .
From various sources it is known that plants with beautiful and charming flowers and easy to grow anywhere in Indonesia are plants that originate from Latin America, brought to Indonesia since the Portuguese and Dutch colonial era. Now you can find this plant everywhere from house yard until public cemetery.
Frangipani flowers come from the genus Plumeria. Its scientific name is taken from the name of the French botanist, Charles Plumier, who discovered the frangipani plant.
Frangipani grows a lot in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands. This flora is also spread in Brazil and Florida. The naming of this plant varies greatly depending on the type of species and the mention in each growing area.
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Frangipani Flowers as main Plants in Cemeteries
It is very common in Indonesia that a public cemetery is filled with this plant. Actually there is no specific philosophy why Indonesians plant their public cemeteries with this plant.
This happens because this plant is so easy to grow, planting this plant can be done by simply cutting the branches of the tree and planting them, then they will grow by themselves as long as there is no shortage of water. This plant is not spoiled, and there are relatively no pests. Does not require much attention to grow well and flower.
Besides being easy to grow and disease resistant, this plant is flowers at any time, regardless of the season cycle. The flowers are fragrant and showy color. There are various colors of this flower, white and yellow, purple and white, ful purple, yellow and purple combined with a little white and several other combinations.
Although the scent of this flower is not that strong, because there are many of them, the fragrance can be caught at any time near the tree.
The flowers are dense; a fragrant aroma can come from the flowers that are still on the tree or those that have fallen. That is the reason why this flower tree is a favorite for planting in public cemeteries. Produces a fragrant aroma, gives a beautiful impression, thereby reducing the spooky impression of a funeral.
Yes, I said this is a flower tree because of all the frangipani flowers, none of them produce fruit! So frangipani plant actually is a flower tree.
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| Various Type of Frangipani |
The Myth of Frangipani Flowers in Indonesia
This beautiful and friendly flower is a flower that assumed to have a connection with supernatural things in Indonesia. Most likely this happened because this flower is generally found a lot in cemeteries. Meanwhile, funerals are synonymous with the assumption that there are many spirits of people who have died there. Besides that, there are other assumptions, such as:
1. Frangipani Flowers are the embodiment of a girl
This issue stems from the story of two lovers separated by death. The girl felt very sad because she lost her partner forever. To ease her grief, the girl decided to wait and accompany her deceased lover to his grave. Until one day, the girl also died. Above the girl's tomb, a frangipani tree grows. Every day, the frangipani plant sheds its flowers right above the tomb. This myth gives rise to the notion that frangipani plants are the offspring of a girl. Based on this story, frangipani is known as the flower of loyalty. Wooow ....
2. Flowers that will bring good luck
Frangipani flowers are considered as a sign of the arrival of fortune. That said, if we find a frangipani flower that has four or six flower petals, then we will get fortune or luck.
3. Frangipani Flowers Contain Evil Spirits
But unfortunately in Javanese belief, frangipani flowers are considered to contain evil spirits. This is the reason why these flowers are not found in the yards of Javanese people's houses. A belief that is inversely proportional to belief number 2 above.
The meaning of frangipani flowers for the Balinese Hindu community
Flowers are not just a means to emphasize a statement of love or affection. In Bali, people value flowers as natural entities that have power. Call it the Cambodian Flower, in every Hindu ritual ceremony in Bali, they use the Cambodian Flower.
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| Praying |
Not only the Ngaben ceremony, or the worship of gods and goddesses, flowers are so sacred as a means of communication at every opportunity, even in everyday life. However, what is the meaning of flowers in sacred rites when Hindus carry out worship ceremonies? Frangipani flowers have two important roles in Hinduism, namely as a symbol of Lord Shiva and as a mere means of prayer. As a symbol of Lord Shiva, flowers are placed protruding at the ends of the two palms that are covered when worshiping. After finishing worship, flowers are usually held above the head (hair) or tucked in the ear. As
as a means of prayer, flowers are used to fill ceremonies or offerings to be offered to God or the holy spirits of the ancestors.
Frangipani flowers are used to show purity of heart when worshiping Sang Hyang Widi Wasa and His holy light, ancestors and Rsi (teachers in the spiritual field). Apart from frangipani flowers, there are other flowers that can be used for ceremonies to replace frangipani flowers, as long as the selected flowers represent the following colors:
1. White flowers, as a symbol of worshiping Hyang Widhi (God) as Iswara, have powers like Badjra, emitting white (neutral) light.
2. Red flowers, as a symbol to worship Hyang Widhi as Brahma, have the power of a club that emits red light.
3. Black flowers, as a symbol to worship Hyang Widhi as Vishnu, who has a chakra weapon and emits black light.
4. Yellow flowers, as a symbol to worship Hyang Widhi as
Mahadeva or Lord Shiva who has the power of nagapasa, which emits a yellow light. Based on Hindu philosophy, frangipani trees in Bali flower on sasih kapat (fourth full moon), which is a good month. The flower is also considered a "nature essence", so frangipani flowers can be interpreted as natural essences that bring enlightenment and essences of goodness.
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| On a ritual |
Types of Frangipani Flowers
You can find several types of frangipani flowers, including: Plumeria Bali – Whirl, this type of frangipani flower has stacked crowns. Propagation of Plumeria Bali – Whirl frangipani is carried out by grafting. Plumeria Acuminata is a frangipani that has a rounded crown and rolled edges. Plumeria acutiflia is the third type of frangipani that you can find, which is a flower that has a distinctive fragrance and can be used in the healing process for gonorrhea, swelling and ulcers.
Next is Plumeria Sandalwood, which is included in the frangipani type which contains a toxic sap that can cause itching. Another type of frangipani is Plumeria Kok Putih, which has flowers that still look like buds even though they have bloomed. Adenium Obesum or often known as Japanese Cambodia. The frangipani plant has a unique nickname from the community, namely "The Rose of the Desert" or "Desert Rose". This nickname was given because frangipani flowers can survive even though they grow in the desert.
Another type of frangipani is Plumeria Alba which has trees that can grow up to seven meters with branches or tree trunks that tend to be small. The color of this type of frangipani flower is white with yellow in the middle. Plumeria Alba is from Puerto Rico.
Plumeria Obusta is another type of frangipani plant which has a distinctive feature, namely the petals curved leaves. The flower petals of Plumeria Obusta are smaller when compared to other types of frangipani, the flower color is dominated by white. This flower grows well in places that get lots of sunlight.
Plumeria Pudica has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other types of frangipani. This plant is known as the type of frangipani that has the widest flower petals. The height of this plant tree is not too high when compared to other types of frangipani. This flower has a dominant white color, but Plumeria Pudica also has red flowers young.
Plumeria Rubra is a type of frangipani that has a variety of flower colors with a distinctive color compared to other types. This flower can grow to a height of eight meters
Another type of frangipani is Plumeria Alba which has trees that can grow up to seven meters with branches or tree trunks that tend to be small. The color of this type of frangipani flower is white with yellow in the middle. Plumeria Alba is from Puerto Rico.
Plumeria Obusta is another type of frangipani plant which has a distinctive feature, namely the leaf petals that curl outward. The flower petals of Plumeria Obusta are smaller when compared to other types of frangipani, the flower color is dominated by white. This flower grows well in places that get lots of sunlight.
Plumeria Pudica has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other types of frangipani. This plant is known as the type of frangipani that has the widest flower petals. The height of this plant tree is not too high when compared to other types of frangipani. This flower has a dominant white color, but Plumeria Pudica also has pink flowers.
Plumeria Rubra is a type of frangipani that has a variety of flower colors with a distinctive color compared to other types. This flower can grow to a height of eight meters.
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The Meaning of Frangipani Flowers
Indonesian society is a nation that has a strong symbolic culture. The symbols can be something that comes from the natural surroundings, such as flowers. The frangipani flower is also a certain symbol. Here are some meanings that use the frangipani flower as a symbol:
1. A fresh start
Frangipani flower is a symbol of life and new beginnings. No wonder frangipani flowers are often used as a gift for someone who is starting a new chapter in life, one of which is newlyweds.
2. Beauty
Frangipani flowers have a soft texture, bright color, and a distinctive fragrance. With this charming appearance, frangipani flowers are believed to be a symbol of beauty.
This is the right flower to give to someone you admire. In addition, this meaning makes frangipani flowers often used as decorations for weddings and living rooms.
3. Charm and majesty
Frangipani flower is a symbol of charm and majesty because it has strong feminine energy. So, this flower is suitable for giving to mothers, grandmothers, wives, and other female relatives.
4. Loyalty
According to Hindu Bali beliefs, frangipani flowers are a symbol of loyalty and devotion to someone. No wonder this type of flower is often used to decorate wedding ceremonies.
This flower also symbolizes the love of two strong human beings. This flower is a symbol of hope for a lasting love affair or marriage until death do them part.
That is the significance of the frangipani flower for Indonesian people. A beautiful flowers that are easy to find everywhere; they do not only represent aesthetics and beauty like other flowers, but more than that. Cambodia is also a strong current that follows religious practices, penetrates into mystical symbols and other social symbols that live in Indonesian society.
In short, frangipani is "something" for Indonesian people, not just a flower!
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