For female foreign tourists vacationing in Bali, the allure of frangipani hairpins is undeniable. These delicate accessories not only serve a practical purpose but also add a touch of natural beauty to the hair, making them a must-buy item.
If tourists in Thailand are synonymous with buying and wearing elephant-print pants, tourists who go to Bali are also synonymous with buying and wearing these frangipani hairpins.
This can be seen in a popular video on TikTok @luciabaroni.
“POV You’re in Bali” is the title of the video, which features many female foreign tourists wearing frangipani hairpins.
@luciabaroni Girls in Bali be like… 🌺 #bali#indonesia #ubud #uluwatu #uluwatubeach #canggu #traveltobali #baliindonesia #balitravel ♬ Just A Girl – No Doubt
Thanks to the power of social media, the popularity of frangipani hairpins has transcended borders. Tourists from all over the world are now seen wearing these accessories, creating a global trend that everyone can be a part of.
More than just a fashion statement, the frangipani hairpins are a celebration of Bali’s rich cultural heritage.
The positive impact of this trend is felt directly by local artisans, who see an increase in demand for their handmade products. By utilizing their traditional skills, the artisans are creating income for themselves and preserving Balinese art and culture.
This opportunity provides the impetus for them to continue innovating, creating new designs that suit the market’s evolving tastes.
What does Balinese frangipani mean?
Frangipani flowers often adorn ears, get strung into necklaces to welcome guests, and feature in a banten (Balinese Hindu offering).
The frangipani flower in Bali is often seen as a symbol of beauty because it blooms despite growing in the midst of mud and dirt. This connection is often made to the philosophy of living in diversity and the imperfect state of the world.
In addition to religious ceremonies, frangipani flowers are used to decorate houses, temples, and other sacred places in Bali.
In Hinduism, frangipani flowers represent not only a means of worship but also a symbol of Lord Shiva. As a means of worship, frangipani flowers are used to fill the offerings that will be offered.
Frangipani is also a special flower because the flowering process coincides with the fourth full moon or sasih kapat. Hindus believe that this is a good month.
Therefore, Hindus also consider frangipani flowers as ‘nature’s essence’ that brings goodness. It’s not surprising that frangipani plants can be easily found on temple grounds and even in the yards of Balinese homes.
