Plumeria Meaning: The Hawaiian Flower Symbol
The plumeria symbolizes positivity, grace, and new beginnings, and it is one of the most recognizable flowers in Hawaiian lei-making and jewelry. With its five soft petals and sweet fragrance, the plumeria has become an icon of the Islands and a favorite motif in Hawaiian pendants, earrings, and rings. This page explains what the plumeria represents, its place in Hawaiian tradition, and what plumeria jewelry means.
What does the plumeria flower symbolize?
The plumeria stands for positivity, natural beauty, and grace. Because it blooms abundantly and easily, it is also associated with spring, new life, and new beginnings, which is why it appears so often at weddings, graduations, and celebrations of fresh starts. Its lasting fragrance and generous flowering give it a warm, welcoming character that fits naturally with the spirit of aloha.
Is the plumeria native to Hawaii?
No, and this is a common misconception. The plumeria is not native to Hawaii. It was introduced to the Islands in the 1860s, having originated in Central America and the Caribbean. Despite arriving relatively recently, it took to Hawaii’s climate so well that it became central to lei-making and a defining image of the Islands. It is accurate to call the plumeria iconic to Hawaiian floral tradition, but not a native Hawaiian plant.
What is the plumeria’s role in lei and Hawaiian custom?
The plumeria is one of the most popular flowers for making lei, the garlands given to welcome, honor, and celebrate. Its blossoms are hardy, fragrant, and hold up well when strung, which makes them ideal for a fresh lei. There is also a well-known custom of wearing a single flower behind the ear: it is often said that a flower worn on the left signals that the wearer is taken, and on the right that they are available. Customs like these are part of why the plumeria carries such affectionate meaning.
What does plumeria jewelry represent?
A plumeria pendant or pair of earrings carries the flower’s meaning of positivity and new beginnings, which makes it a natural gift for a graduation, a wedding, a birthday, or the arrival of a baby. It is also chosen as an everyday reminder of the Islands. Rose gold is an especially popular choice for plumeria pieces, since its soft warmth suits the flower’s romantic character. Explore the designs in the plumeria jewelry collection.
How does the plumeria compare to other Hawaiian motifs?
Each Island motif carries its own meaning. The honu, or sea turtle, represents good luck and longevity, ocean waves represent the sea’s life-giving force, and the maile lei represents honor and respect. The plumeria’s association with positivity and new beginnings makes it one of the most gifted of all. You can read more about these symbols in our history of Hawaiian jewelry.
Wear the plumeria
A plumeria piece is a bright, meaningful way to carry the Islands with you. Browse plumeria jewelry handcrafted in Honolulu, or see the full Hawaiian jewelry collection.
Frequently asked questions about the plumeria
What does the plumeria flower mean?
The plumeria symbolizes positivity, grace, and new beginnings. Its easy, abundant blooming links it to spring and fresh starts, which is why it is associated with celebrations like weddings and graduations.
Is the plumeria a native Hawaiian flower?
No. The plumeria was introduced to Hawaii in the 1860s and originally comes from Central America and the Caribbean. It is iconic to Hawaiian lei-making and imagery, but it is not a native plant.
What does plumeria jewelry symbolize?
Plumeria jewelry carries the flower’s meaning of positivity and new beginnings, making it a popular gift for graduations, weddings, and birthdays, as well as an everyday connection to Hawaii.
What does it mean to wear a plumeria behind your ear?
By a well-known Island custom, a flower worn behind the left ear is often said to indicate that the wearer is in a relationship, while a flower on the right indicates that they are available.