How do you wear the Tiare Tahiti, flower of the islands?
A small tropical shrub with white flowers (Gardenia taitensis) has long been a part of the culture and daily life of The Islands of Tahiti. Every single day of your stay in French Polynesia, you'll see it: behind the ear of a smiling Polynesian, whether native or adopted, woman or man, and undoubtedly behind the ear of a few tourists. The Tiare Tahiti, the iconic flower of French Polynesia, does indeed have a specific symbolic meaning.
Wearing the Tahitian tiare: rules and meaning
When you board an Air Tahiti Nui flight, you are offered a slightly closed Tiare Tahiti along with a warm smile. The flower of French Polynesia, our airline's emblem, welcomes you with its delightful fragrance.
Long established as part of customs and daily life in Tahiti, you should know that a specific language of love has defined the meaning behind wearing a flower to your ear. The meaning of the Tiare Tahiti varies depending on how you wear it. Here’s the Polynesian flower code you need to know:
- placed on the left ear, on the side of the heart, the flower indicates that the person is taken. Love is blind, as we all know: with the tiare Tahiti on your ear, the message is clear.
- placed on the right ear, it means that the person is single and available.
- worn on both ears, it means that you are in a relationship but still open to new encounters. Adventure remains adventure.
- if the tiare is worn with the petals facing backwards, it means “right now.” Personally? I've never seen one - ;)
Tiare Tahiti: The Story of an Iconic Tahitian Flower
The Tiare Tahiti, endemic flower of the South Pacific islands, is a key ingredient in one of the purest and most precious cosmetic oils in the world: Tahitian monoi, made from refined coconut oil. Whether used as a body and hair care oil, a soothing after-sun moisturizer for your skin, or a delicately scented massage oil, Monoï (Protected Designation of Origin) is a global symbol of well-being, tropical holidays, and sunshine.
But in The Islands of Tahiti, the tiare is not only used for monoi oil. Wearing a flower behind the ear is a widespread custom here, not only with tiare, but also with hibiscus, frangipani (tipanier) and many other beautiful tropical flowers. It is also harvested to make flower crowns, necklaces, and Polynesian dance costumes. But where did this charming tradition begin?
It seems that this custom is several decades old. Perhaps even older. The first European explorers noted that Polynesian women, mainly from Tahiti, wore flowers as earrings, along with shiny shells and unpierced Tahitian pearls, delicately wrapped in three strands of fine coconut fiber.
Late 18th-century sketches and engravings even depict flowers pinned in the hair. At the time, flower necklaces were not yet given as welcome gifts. Instead, peace was offered with a banana branch (mei‘a).
As for the tiare Tahiti, it was reserved for noble families, the ari'i, clan chiefs or island chiefs.
Today, it continues to symbolize the warm hospitality of French Polynesia, adorns fresh flower crowns, inspires artists like Alexander Lee, and proudly embodies the living culture of the Fenua (our islands).