Plumeria on a Headstone: Meaning

Plumeria — also called frangipani — has five waxy petals spiralling from a golden centre and a sweet, tropical scent. It's woven into leis, temple offerings and memorials across the Pacific and Asia.

What it means

Island and temple traditions

In Hawaii, plumeria is one of the most popular flowers for leis, given in welcome, love and farewell. Across South and Southeast Asia, frangipani trees grow beside temples and cemeteries, and the blossoms are used in offerings. In Laos the frangipani (champa) is the national flower. The trees can bloom even after being cut, so in some traditions they symbolise life that endures.

Design ideas

• A plumeria blossom tucked beside the name.
• A lei of plumeria around a portrait.
• A frangipani branch across the top.
• Soft yellow-centred colour-fill.

Who it suits

People with Hawaiian, Pacific Island, Filipino, Thai, Lao, Indonesian or Indian roots; lovers of tropical holidays; and anyone with a warm, welcoming spirit. See flower meanings.

Leis and farewells

In Hawaii a lei is given for arrivals, departures and celebrations, and leis are often placed at gravesides. A lei etched around a portrait or the name is a warm way to say both hello and goodbye. See hibiscus meaning.

Wording in other languages

Hawaiian, Tagalog, Thai and other wording should be checked by a native speaker before engraving. See multilingual inscriptions.

Epitaphs to pair

• Aloha — with love.
• A hui hou — until we meet again.
• Forever in paradise.
• A gentle island soul.

Key Takeaways

• Plumeria means new beginnings and devotion.
• It's a favourite flower for Hawaiian leis.
• Frangipani grows by temples across Asia.
• Have non-English wording checked.

Next Step

See hibiscus meaning and lotus meaning.