Syria

The National Flower of Syria: Jasmine

National-Flower-Of-Syria-Jasmine

The national flower of Syria is Jasmine. Its scientific name is Jasminum sambac. It belongs to the Oleaceae family originates from olive family, lamiales order tribe of Jasminea and kingdom of Plantae. It is also known as Arabian Jasmine. Jasmine is the most common flower of Syrian people. It is the most popular flower that can be found in any garden, park and home. Jasmine flower mostly found in two colors white and yellow.

Features of Jasmine

The height of the plant including stems ranges from 10 to 15 feet. It grows approximately in a year from twelve to twenty four 12 to 24 inches.  The plant should be at a distance from one another as there is a jamming chances, also in summer season it should be watered profusely/plenteously. The plant should be kept and organized as to protect it from major portion of the sun as it needs small amount of sun for 03 to 04 hours a day. There are two types of the flower that is true belong to olive family (Oleaceae).

Jasmine flower meaning:

  • It is basically originated from Persian word Yasmeen (“gift from God“) over Arabic and Latin.
  •  In Chinese state Hawaii, it is named as pīkake, which use in making fragrant leis. On the other hand the word pīkake is rooted to the Hawaiian word means “Peacock. The flower got great importance as Hawaiian country Princess Kaʻiulani was affectionate of both the flowers and the bird (Peacock).
  • In some religions it means purity.
  • Some Indian believed it as god and dead.
  • In UK and America and other English language countries it means Asiatic Jasmin, Asian Jasmine and Sacred Jasmine.
  • In Indonesia it means as Melatiputih by language. 

10 Facts about Jasmin Flower

  • Sampaguita (Jasminum sambac) is the native, famous and official flower of Syria.
  • It has five to six parts (lobes).
  •  It is most attractive, decorative, sweet, pure, innocent and pure flower.
  • The people of Cambodia use it as offering to Buddha when the session of flower started in the month of June.
  • The presentation method to Buddha by Cambodians people is to put on wooden needle.
  • The beautiful flower also having scented properties and use in decorations of gardens, homes , schools, offices and other important places like parks  
  • In respect of oil extraction, it is also used in the cosmetics and perfumery industry.
  • The oil have soothing properties.
  • It is also tranquillizing and aphrodisiac (intensifies sexual desire) in the shape of creams, oils, soaps, and shampoos.
  • The people of Christianity religion believe it in motherhood representation.
  • In addition to Syria it is also the most popular and national flower of Pakistan & Indonesia
  • There exists a true Jasmine and a false Jasmine from the species Jasminum sambac
  • The above countries mostly use it in wedding ceremonies, school colleges’ functions and also other festivals.
  • It has also got great popularity in western countries.
  • Non-native countries also use it as best symbol of sensuality, affection and persistent love.
  • In some countries, it is used as symbol of modesty, simplicity and friendliness.
  • The popular oil extracted from Sampaguita also known as Jasmine oil is a very common fragrant oil comprises of  terpinol, benzyl acetate, jasmone, several alcohols benzyl benzoate, linalool, and other mixtures.
  • The second color i.e. Yellow jasmine use on the occasion of presenting on the basis of hard work in education, affirmative love, friendship, joy and intellect.
  • The white or yellow leaves may be deciduous or evergreen.
  • The dried roots of the said flower use in medicine.
  • Both Indian and In Pakistanis  bride and groom wear garlands of white jasmine and red roses on their wedding ceremony and other special occasions
  • It is symbol of eternal love, sensuality and emotion for Westerners, in addition to this it is idyllic gift for a valued one, especially a life partner.
  • The people of India know it as the name of “Queen of the Night” because of its mind-altering/strong perfume which can be felt at night time.
  • India and like-minded countries, use this plant as honor of gods & dead, as it symbolizes hope and spirituality.
  • This special flower also uses in making Gajra garlands in India and Pakistan, which are worn on special occasions to bride & groom and girls.
  • It is also uses as appreciation and good luck in some cultures.
  • In China it is uses as herbal tea also the topped folk song Mo LI HUA  use the name Jasminum sambac or Jasmin as subject.

Why is Jasmin the national flower of Syria?

National-Flower-Syria-Jasmine

It is always said, that the Government of Syria has no official or national flower but the citizens of Syrians consider jasmine flower as their native flower. Due to the flower attraction and symbolism, it is now officially considered as a Syrian national flower.

This flower is white in color and attractive, the most favorite flower of common people. It is belonging to the Oleaceae family which is the top flower family among all sub-flower families.

History of Jasmine Flower

Jasminum sambac (Sampaguita) also named as Jasmin flowers have nearly two hundred 200 species. This beautiful flower partake in decoration, fragrant, purity, love, innocence and important part of different ceremonies, events, and festivals. Besides these qualities it is also used by some cultures and religions use in their rituals worship, religious activities and featured on hair for good looking.

Read Also: The National Flower of Kenya

The cultivation not restricted to the national level but it is also commercially use in the perfume industry, green tea (Qahwa) and herbal medicine. The sandalwood and jasmine water/oil put as a bath on the idol Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath  

There are three national flowers in Indonesia that is moon orchid, Jasminum sambac and giant Padma. In 1990 on World Environment Day and by enforcement of the law through Presidential Decree No. 4 in 1993, The American Governor-General Frank Murphy announced Sampaguita and Nara as the national tree and national flower of the Philippines. In same way, the people of Syrian announce that Jasmine will be considered as their famous flower. So, due to all these qualities, Jasmine declared as a national flower of Syria .

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