Meaning and symbolism of the hibiscus flower + plants, care and use

Hibiscus flower meanings include ephemeral beauty, romantic love and passion, friendship, hospitality and joy. The quintessential tropical flower, hibiscus originally came from Asia and then made its way to other warm places around the world including Polynesia, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Florida and the Caribbean. Not only are hibiscus flowers considered beautiful, they also hold significant spiritual significance in many cultures.

In this post, you will learn more about the symbolism and meaning of colors of hibiscus. In addition, you will find information about the cultivation, care and use of hibiscus plants.

What does the hibiscus flower symbolize?

femininity Ephemeral Beauty Romantic love and passion friendship and hospitality sincerity Joy

femininity

With gorgeous blooms that range from 4 to 10 inches in diameter, hibiscus flowers are symbols of femininity and feminine beauty in all shapes and sizes. They represent the power that femininity must have in order to be receptive. It can be said that hibiscus flowers embody the law of attraction. Just by being themselves, they draw admiration and even awe.

Ephemeral Beauty

Hibiscus flowers only bloom on the bush for one day and are therefore symbols of the preciousness of ephemeral beauty. Like the spirit animals butterfly and dragonfly, the hibiscus flower reminds you that there is something sacred in the state at every moment.

Since hibiscus flowers are symbols of impermanence, they are also symbols of opportunity. They remind you to seize the moment as it may not come again.

Romantic love and passion

Because of their bright red and pink flowers, hibiscus flowers also symbolize romantic love and affection. These flowers are the perfect gift for a lover. And if you are single, they are considered good luck charms because they bring more romance into your life and help you find your soulmate.

friendship and hospitality

Hibiscus flower meaning also includes friendship, generosity and hospitality. It’s no coincidence that Hawaiians include these beautiful blooms in their floral leis. The hibiscus embodies the welcoming spirit of aloha.

sincerity

The vibrancy of the hibiscus flowers is very striking. These flowers are the opposite of shrinking violets and they don’t hide in inaccessible places. Thus, they are symbols of openness and sincerity. Just as they are welcoming symbols, hibiscus meaning shows sincere feelings and a generous spirit.

Joy

It almost goes without saying that hibiscus flower meaning also includes joy. Like music and art, hibiscus makes life more enjoyable. Their bright colors lift people’s spirits, not to mention probably making them think of a tropical vacation.

Spiritual meaning of the hibiscus flower

Hibiscus meaning includes femininity. So on a spiritual level, these flowers are also symbols of the divine feminine. And it’s important to note that it’s healthy for both men and women to embrace a balanced masculine and feminine energy. Feminine power includes the ability to create and nurture life. So, growing and caring for hibiscus flowers is a way to honor life on earth.

The hibiscus totem is also a helpful symbol to bring more beauty, love and romance into your life. Our spiritual journeys here on earth can be full of challenges. However, like the hummingbird spirit animal, the hibiscus flower reminds us to recognize the beauty and joy in our spiritual journeys.

Associated power animals

The hibiscus flower shares some characteristics and symbiosis with certain wild animals and insects. For example, flowers co-evolved with butterflies, and each depends on the other for survival. In addition, the hibiscus has further synergies with the power animal butterfly. Not only are both extremely beautiful, they are both short-lived. So the butterfly and hibiscus are symbols of seizing the day and living in the moment.

Similarly, the bee, bat, and hummingbird spirit animals are closely associated with the hibiscus flower. The hibiscus attracts hummingbirds, bats, and bees and feeds them nectar. In turn, these animals prolong the life of the hibiscus flower by spreading its pollen.

Two other spirit animals share traits with the hibiscus flower. One is the flamingo power animal, which also symbolizes vibrant beauty. And the other is the sea turtle spirit animal, associated with the tropics and tranquillity.

Hibiscus importance in cultural mythology and folklore

The hibiscus flower features in the cultural mythologies of many cultures where these beautiful flowers are found. Here are some of those stories:

Polynesian and Hawaiian hibiscus flower meaning

The hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii and holds special meaning for Hawaiians and other native Polynesian people.

Island women wear hibiscus flowers behind their ears not only to look beautiful but also to let potential suitors know about their relationship status. A hibiscus worn behind the left ear signifies that the woman is connected. While one worn behind the right ear shows she is single and available.

In addition, Hawaiians decorate their flower necklaces with hibiscus and other tropical flowers as a welcome symbol of friendship.

Philippines

The Filipino people tell the story of how the hibiscus flower came about. Once upon a time there was a man named Gumeng who fell in love with a diwata named Mula. A diwata is a supernatural being who tends to the forest and lives in rivers, lakes and caves. (The Greek comparison is a water nymph.)

The love between a mortal and a diwata was forbidden by the gods. However, the two lovers could not bear to be apart from each other.

So the gods sent one of their demons to kill Gumeng. The demon stalked him and stabbed Gumeng in the back with a dagger. He soon fell to the ground, bleeding.

When Mula found him, she was devastated. She tried to save him with her fairy magic but couldn’t revive him. Heartbroken, she took the dagger to her own heart and fell bleeding next to her lover.

As the two lovers died, the earth opened up and drew them into its healing embrace, leaving no trace of them or their blood. But soon after, a sprout came out of the ground where the lovers had been. Eventually, it grew into a beautiful hibiscus flower bush, which the locals named Gumamela in honor of the two lovers.

Malaysia

Just as the hibiscus is Hawaii’s state flower, it is also the national flower of Malaysia. Hibiscus is called in Malay bunga raya, which loosely translated means “flower of celebration”. For Malaysians, the different petals of the hibiscus symbolize reverence for the diversity of their country. So the hibiscus is a symbol of the country Rukun Negarawhich are the guiding principles of the nation.

Hibiscus flower meaning in China

In China, the hibiscus is sometimes referred to as the “China rose”. The flower also has a symbolic meaning in Chinese culture. These meanings include personal power and fame as well as wealth.

Japan

As in Hawaii, hibiscus meaning includes hospitality in Japan. In addition, it is a symbol of a gentle nature.

South Korea

Although the hibiscus is short-lived, in South Korea the flower symbolizes the afterlife and immortality.

Hibiscus in India and Hindu mythology

Hindu goddess Kali

In India and in Hindu mythology, the red hibiscus is the flower of the goddess Kali as well as the deity Ganesha.

The bright red color of the hibiscus symbolizes the primal energy ruled by the goddess Kali. As a result, Hindu artists often depict Kali as merging into a hibiscus flower.

According to Hindu mythology, the god Ganesha taught people that hibiscus has the power to raise their consciousness to connect with the divine. Hindus pay homage to both Kali and Lord Ganesha with hibiscus flowers.

Hibiscus meaning in the Caribbean

In Jamaica, Trinidad and other Caribbean islands, hibiscus flowers are used in tea and shared with guests. And in Haiti, like Hawaii, the hibiscus is a national symbol of hospitality.

Greek mythology

In Greek mythology, the god Adonis turned into a hibiscus to distract the goddesses Aphrodite and Persephone from fighting.

Egypt

For the ancient Egyptians, the meaning of the hibiscus flower was associated with romantic passion and even lust. In fact, the Egyptians made a tea from the flower’s petals, which they believed was an aphrodisiac.

Hibiscus meaning in Victorian England

In Victorian England, floral symbolism was a popular pastime. Exotic flowers were of particular interest to the Victorians because they were not as common there in the 19th century as they are today. To the Victorians, the fleeting bloom of the hibiscus flower symbolized delicate beauty.

Hibiscus Color Meanings

Hibiscus flowers come in both bright and soft colors, ranging from bright red to white. The different colors of these flowers symbolize the following:

Purple hibiscus meaning

The purple hibiscus flower meaning symbolizes rare and unusual beauty as well as finding harmony in differences. Finally, purple is a special color that combines the coolness of blue with the warmth of red. So, a purple hibiscus flower symbolizes acceptance and respect for others, even if they have a different background or belief than one’s own.

Purple is also the color of the seventh chakra, that is Sahasrara in Sanskrit. Sahasrara governs your superconscious. A purple hibiscus flower symbolizes a connection to the divine.

Red hibiscus meaning

Along with the rose and the poppy, the hibiscus is a quintessence of the red flower. The color red symbolizes primal energy, passion and romantic love. And in some cultures like China, red symbolizes good luck and prosperity.

The color red is also the color of the first or root chakra, that is Muladhara in Sanskrit. Muladhara governs your personal foundation, including your safety and primary survival drivers.

Red hibiscus flowers make the perfect gift for a romantic partner. In addition, they bring positive vibes to your home or garden to increase security,…