Kalachuchi Flower Trivia
All I wanted to know was whether to spell its name with the letter C or K, and, although I learn that both are correct, I found out in the process that the Kalachuchi is known in several parts of the world for similar or varied reasons.
Here in the Philippines the kalachuchi flower is associated with death. Surprisingly, it is also known as dead man’s flower in some parts of the USA.
During World War II, American sailors leaving Hawaii to be stationed overseas tossed frangipani or kalachuchi leis into the sea to find out their fate. Leis that float back to shore are met with jubilation because superstition dictates that the sailor who threw it will come back.
Originally, Thais believed that the kalachuchi flower brought unhappiness. Today, the flowers are offered to Buddha or worn during special occasions such as the Thai New Year.
The kalachuchi flower is the national flower of Nicaragua and Laos.
Presently, most kalachuchi trees grow to a height of 20 feet, but, if left alone, just like in the temples in Laos, they can grow to gigantic heights and live for hundreds of years.
The first documented sighting of the kalachuchi flower was in 1522 by a Spanish priest, who was in the Caribbean at that time.
However, the 5,000-year-old Ayurveda holistic medicine of India already mentions the kalachuchi flower as part of its healing process for ailments that concern insomnia and fear.
It is also believed that the ancient Aztecs instill bravery by having some of their inhabitants drink a concoction, part of which is from the kalachuchi flower.
In a certain region of Mexico, the natives tell stories of gods being born out of kalachuchi flowers.
In Myanmar, the kalachuchi is called by a word that sounds like tayopsagapang, which can be literally translated to “Chinese language flower.” On the left is how its name is written in Myanmar script using their native alphabet (the top and bottom lines are actually the same, just different in size).
Related Posts
Kalachuchi Flower Salad Recipe
An Irreverent Take on Dog Trivia
The Return of the King Trivia
thank you for the additional information of kalachuchi…
hey nice info….anyway franiwei can u help me about my problem…is adenium and kalachuchi the same??
please create a album of new flower and I wish that you can give my wish….
Thank you for the information; I didn’t know that Kalachuchi is associated with death. Such a beautiful flower; soft and delicate. Over here in Singapore, I have seen quite a number of Kalachuchi trees and I have always stopped to look at the flower.
Hi TheBachelorGirl! Just want to tell you I enjoyed reading this trivia and posted a link to this page on my Facebook where I posted a photo of the beautiful kalachuchi flower. Thanks!