In Hawaii and other Pacific Islands, flowers have signified love and beauty for thousands of years, said Dr. Hiagi Wesley, professor of Pacific Island studies. “The people of the Pacific wear flowers behind their ears because it’s a symbol of love.”Flowers, like the Hawaiian plumeria or the Samoan lehua, symbolize love, but the placement of flowers can signify what kind of love you have, or what kind you are looking for. “The joke is if you wear it on the left, you are taken. If you wear it on the right, you are available,” laughed Dr. Wesley. “While I don’t know when that started, wearing flowers has been part of Pacific Island culture forever,” said Wesley.The significance of the left ear might have something to do with putting the wedding or engagement ring on the left hand, said Pearl Tuiasosopo, a sophomore in political science from American Samoa. Flowers don’t just suggest a relationship status, but a connection with nature that has been going on for thousands of years. ICS Anthropology Professor Tevita Kaili said this connection of the Pacific Island people through nature runs deeper than just hair accessories. “All of our attire comes from nature,” continued Kaili. “Tapa comes from a plant from nature, flower comes from a plant from nature, and if you use feathers, it comes from a bird from nature. It’s about us living close to nature. Everything comes from it.” Wesley nodded as he counseled, “So if you want to add on to your beauty, you add on a piece of nature. You don’t add Chanel, you don’t have Paris Hilton to use; you have flowers.”Nature and products of nature will only enhance your beauty this Valentine’s Day, ladies. Though Dr. Wesely did note that men can wear flowers too, if they want. While Valentine’s Day can create anxiety for some on what to wear, others worry about what gift to get their significant other. Dr. Wesley and Dr. Kaili suggested a solution: “You see the islands full of beautiful flowers? Jewelry is not part of the culture. You have flowers as women’s adornment to make them look pretty.” Not only are flowers beautiful, but also they are free.Uploaded February 12, 2015
Writer: Alyssa Walhood
