The Hibiscus flower has been assigned special meaning and significance in some countries.
The Hibiscus flower, also known as the Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis, Bunga Raya or “Chinese Hibiscus” is the national symbol of Malaysia. It is believed to have been brought to Malaysia via early trade from its original home in China, Japan and the Pacific islands in the 12th century.
The Hibiscus flower is found in abundance throughout the country. It comes in many different varieties and colors. The Red five-petalled types was chosen to be the national flower in 1960 by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. The Hibiscus flower symbolizes courage and unity of all people in Malaysia.
The Hibiscus flower (Hibiscus Syriacus, Rose of Sharon) is also the national flower of South Korea and the flower appears in national emblems. The Hibiscus flower has been beloved to the Korean people for centures. Also in the lyrics of the South Korean national anthem, Korea is poetically compared to the flower. In Korean language the flower is known as the Mugunghwa and is also one of the national symbols of South Korea.
The five petals of the Hibiscus flower represent five traditional kinds of duty, five kinds of happiness, five kinds of unity and other qualities that all add up to the meaning of peace and happiness.
The Hibiscus flower is also the state flower of Hawaii. In the 1920s the Hibiscus flower was declared the official territorial flower. In 1988 th Yellow Hibiscus became the official state flower. It is also known as the “Pua Aloalo” by native Hawaiians.
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