A Florist Guide to Flower Symbolism in Thailand
Flowers in Thailand are not just admired for their beauty but are deeply integrated into religious practices, social traditions, and even national identity. Each flower carries layered meanings that connect to Buddhism, folklore, royal symbolism, and everyday customs. From temple offerings to garlands worn in ceremonies, flowers are a universal language of respect, devotion, and love in Thai culture.
1. Lotus (บัว – Bua)
Symbolism: Purity of body, speech, and mind; enlightenment; rebirth.
Cultural Role:
The lotus is the most sacred flower in Thailand and throughout Buddhist cultures. Its ability to grow in muddy waters yet bloom pristine above the surface makes it the perfect metaphor for the spiritual journey. Just as the lotus rises untainted from murky waters, a person can rise above suffering and achieve enlightenment.
The lotus also represents different stages of spiritual awakening depending on its form: a closed bud symbolizes a time before spiritual realization, while a fully open bloom represents enlightenment itself.
Uses in Daily Life and Religion:
Frequently offered at Buddhist temples, especially before statues of the Buddha.
Used in religious rituals during Visakha Bucha Day and other important Buddhist holidays.
Folded lotus petals, with their pointed triangular shapes, are considered especially respectful when presented at shrines.
Lotus seeds and roots are also consumed, reflecting the flower’s spiritual and practical importance.
2. Jasmine (มะลิ – Mali)
Symbolism: Motherhood, unconditional love, purity, good luck.
Cultural Role:
Jasmine has become the emblem of Mother’s Day in Thailand, which falls on August 12, the birthday of Queen Sirikit. Its white blossoms symbolize the gentle, selfless love of mothers and their role in nurturing life.
Beyond motherhood, jasmine is also a sign of purity and respect. Its delicate scent and pure white petals make it a common flower in offerings and garlands.
Uses in Daily Life and Religion:
Woven into garlands (phuang malai), which are offered to monks, teachers, and elders as a sign of respect.
Given by children to mothers on Mother’s Day.
Used in weddings to symbolize the purity of a new union.
Fragrant blossoms are sometimes placed in bowls of water to refresh the home.
3. Orchid (กล้วยไม้ – Kluai Mai)
Symbolism: Beauty, luxury, elegance, wealth, refinement.
Cultural Role:
Thailand is one of the world’s leading exporters of orchids, making the flower both a national symbol of pride and an economic treasure. Orchids represent refinement, high social status, and sophistication. The sheer diversity of orchids in Thailand (with thousands of native varieties) also reflects abundance and natural beauty.
Uses in Daily Life and Religion:
Widely used in hotels and restaurants as a symbol of hospitality.
Offered as luxury gifts during celebrations, business openings, and weddings.
Incorporated in spa treatments and perfumes for their exotic fragrance.
Used in religious offerings as a sign of elegance and devotion.
4. Marigold (ดาวเรือง – Dao Rueang)
Symbolism: Prosperity, good fortune, respect, remembrance.
Cultural Role:
The marigold’s golden-yellow hue associates it with wealth, luck, and the brilliance of the sun. Yellow also represents Monday in Thai culture, the day of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birth. After his passing in 2016, marigolds became a flower of remembrance, widely planted across the country to honor his memory.
Uses in Daily Life and Religion:
Offered at shrines and temples to seek prosperity.
Used in garlands during weddings and important ceremonies to invite blessings.
Frequently planted around homes and public buildings during royal anniversaries.
Considered auspicious for business openings and housewarming rituals.
5. Rose (กุหลาบ – Kularb)
Symbolism: Love, passion, admiration, romance.
Cultural Role:
As in many cultures worldwide, the rose in Thailand is closely tied to expressions of romantic love. It has become the flower of Valentine’s Day in Thailand, when young couples exchange roses much as they do in the West.
Uses in Daily Life and Religion:
Given as romantic gifts during Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or proposals.
Sometimes used in wedding decorations to symbolize enduring love.
Red roses represent passion, while pink roses suggest gentleness and admiration.
6. Hibiscus (ชบา – Chaba)
Symbolism: Fame, delicate beauty, transience of life.
Cultural Role:
The hibiscus is admired for its vibrant blossoms, which bloom beautifully but briefly, reminding people of the fleeting nature of life. In traditional Thai medicine, hibiscus is valued for its healing properties, particularly in herbal teas.
Uses in Daily Life and Religion:
Planted in home gardens as a decorative and auspicious flower.
Used in herbal remedies to treat ailments such as high blood pressure.
Sometimes worn as an adornment in dances or festivals for its vivid appearance.
7. Ratchaphruek (ราชพฤกษ์ – Golden Shower Tree)
Symbolism: Royalty, national unity, glory, harmony.
Cultural Role:
The Ratchaphruek is Thailand’s national flower. Its bright yellow blooms symbolize Buddhism (yellow is the color of monks’ robes) and the Thai monarchy. The flower’s cascading blossoms are considered auspicious and are often associated with celebrations of national pride.
Uses in Daily Life and Religion:
Planted during important ceremonies, including royal commemorations.
Found in temple grounds and public parks as a symbol of unity.
Used in garlands and offerings during auspicious festivals.
8. Frangipani (ลีลาวดี – Leelawadee)
Symbolism: Immortality, renewal, grace, positivity.
Cultural Role:
In the past, the frangipani was considered inauspicious due to its association with funerals. Over time, however, this view changed, and today the flower is regarded as a symbol of beauty, immortality, and new beginnings. Its fragrant blossoms are especially beloved in temple gardens.
Uses in Daily Life and Religion:
Commonly planted around temples and resorts for their beauty and fragrance.
Used in garlands and offerings at shrines.
Associated with relaxation and meditation, often used in spas and wellness centers.
9. Champaca (จำปี – Champi)
Symbolism: Devotion, spirituality, goodwill, kindness.
Cultural Role:
The golden champaca is renowned for its sweet fragrance, which intensifies at night. It is deeply tied to Buddhist practices, often used in offerings to monks and deities. Its fragrance also made it a valued ingredient in traditional perfumes.
Uses in Daily Life and Religion:
Offered in temples as a sign of devotion.
Used in hair adornments during traditional dances and weddings.
Essential oil extracted from champaca is used in perfumes.
10. Bougainvillea (เฟื่องฟ้า – Feung Fa)
Symbolism: Prosperity, protection, resilience, celebration.
Cultural Role:
Bougainvillea is a popular ornamental plant in Thailand, known for its vibrant paper-like bracts that bloom almost year-round. In Thai belief, it symbolizes good fortune and is often planted at the entrance of homes to ward off negative energy.
Uses in Daily Life and Religion:
Planted around houses and temples for protection and blessings.
Used in decorations during Songkran (Thai New Year) and festive occasions.
A symbol of endurance and strength due to its ability to thrive in difficult conditions.
Flowers in Thailand serve as living symbols of values such as purity, respect, prosperity, and love. They play a role in everything from daily rituals and religious practices to national celebrations and personal expressions of affection. The lotus teaches spiritual transcendence, jasmine honors mothers, marigolds bring prosperity, and orchids reflect elegance. Collectively, these flowers tell the story of Thai identity—one rooted in Buddhism, royal traditions, and deep reverence for nature.
