The hibiscus / “Chaba” flower in Thailand is in a similar situation as the plumeria; people believed it brought bad fortune and sadness. The inauspicious flower was kept it like that for a long time. The flowers are gorgeous and have been praised by other nations, such as Malaysia as the national flower.
Thais are prejudiced against the hibiscus not because the name is similar to a bad word, but because of ancient culture and tradition. Hibiscus was brought to Thailand in the Sukhothai era (700+ years ago). It’s was mentioned in the ancient Thai history book “Tri Bhumi Praroung” that Thailand got the hibiscus from India. The name “Chaba” is believed to come from the Sanskrit word “Chapa”. They also adopted beliefs about the Hibiscus from Indians (Brahmin Religion in Southern of India) who worship Goddess Kali with hibiscus flowers. Later, this became official when hibiscus garlands were put on the neck of death row prisoner.
The traditional homeland of hibiscus is believed to be in China, India and the Pacific islands, such as Hawaii.
In other countries, hibiscus is treated in very good way. In Malaysia and Indonesia, hibiscus flowers are popular. They are used to decorate the body, such as behind ear or inserted into hair. In the Pacific, such as Hawaii and Tahiti, the hibiscus is very popular. Young females in native dress always put a hibiscus flower behind their ear or inserted into their hair. It became the indispensable symbol of the islands. The popularity of this custom has contributed to Thais developing new species with more beautiful and exotic flowers. Nowadays, Thais grow the gorgeous hibiscus flowers everywhere; in their yard, hotels, resorts and spas.
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Yellow Hibiscus