Onam Flowers Names

Onam, one of the most celebrated festivals in Kerala, is not only a time for feasts and celebrations but also a festival deeply rooted in tradition, culture, and vibrant colors. One of the most beautiful traditions associated with Onam is the creation of the Pookalam, a flower carpet that is designed using various flowers. These colorful arrangements symbolize the welcoming of King Mahabali, the mythical king of Kerala, and mark the harvest season's bountiful blessings.

The Role of Onam Flowers Names in Celebrations

Flowers are a core component of the Onam festival, as they are used in creating the Pookalam—the traditional flower arrangement that decorates homes, temples, and public spaces. The Pookalam is not just a decoration but a representation of beauty, harmony, and prosperity, making it an integral part of the Onam celebration. Each flower used has its significance, and the combination of these flowers in different designs enhances the overall festive atmosphere.

Onam Flowers Name List

Types of Flowers Used for Onam Celebrations

Here are some of the Onam flowers names in Malayalam and Onam flowers names in English, widely used in the creation of the Pookalam:

Common Flowers for Pookalam

• Thiruthali (Marigold): Known for its vibrant yellow color, Thiruthali is one of the most common flowers used during Onam. It symbolizes happiness and prosperity.
• Mullappoo (Jasmine): Known for its delightful fragrance, Mullappoo is often used in garlands and Pookalams. It represents purity and is considered a sacred flower.
• Chethi Poo (Crape Jasmine): This white, fragrant flower adds a serene touch to the Pookalam, symbolizing innocence and peace.
• Chendumalli (Chrysanthemum): A popular flower in Onam, Chendumalli adds a burst of color, often used to create a vibrant display of yellow and orange hues.
• Thumbapoo (Cucumber Flower): Thumbapoo is another traditional flower used in Onam decorations. Its soft color and delicate shape make it ideal for creating intricate patterns in the Pookalam.

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Other Key Flowers for Onam

• Jamanthi (Marigold): Another name for Marigold, Jamanthi flowers are a symbol of the rich harvest season and are prominently featured in Onam flower arrangements.
• Violet Flower for Onam: Violet flowers are sometimes included in Onam Pookalams. These purple blooms bring a touch of elegance to the overall flower arrangement.

Flowers According to Color and Symbolism

Onam Pookalam often includes flowers in different colors, each representing a particular significance:

• Yellow Flowers (Thiruthali): Represent joy and prosperity.
• White Flowers (Mullappoo, Chethi Poo): Symbolize purity and peace.
• Red, Pink, and Violet Flowers (Chendumalli, Violet): Represent vitality, love, and elegance.
• Greenery (Thumbapoo): Adds a natural, fresh element to the designs, symbolizing growth and renewal.

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Unique Flowers for Onam

While the above-mentioned flowers are common, some specific flowers play a prominent role in the Onam Pookalam:

• Violet Flower for Onam: These flowers are special for their delicate color and are sometimes used to enhance the overall aesthetic of the Pookalam.
• Chendumalli and Thumbapoo: Both of these flowers hold special cultural significance and are highly favored for making the Onam Pookalam more traditional and meaningful.

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Traditional Practices of Flower Decoration in Onam

The Onam Pookalam in English translates to a "flower carpet," but its true essence is much more than just a decoration. The process of creating the Pookalam involves placing flowers in a series of concentric rings, starting with smaller flowers at the center and gradually working outward. Each flower is chosen based on its color, significance, and the aesthetic value it adds to the arrangement.

Venation and symmetry are important aspects of the Pookalam's design, and families often compete with each other to create the most intricate and beautiful Pookalam.

Significance of Colors and Designs

The arrangement of flowers is not just for decoration. The colors symbolize:

• Prosperity (Yellow)
• Peace (White)
• Happiness (Red)
• Renewal (Green)

Each flower design has a deeper meaning, celebrating the harvest season and paying tribute to the rich culture of Kerala.

Conclusion

The use of flowers in Onam is not just a cultural practice but a celebration of life, growth, and harmony. From Thiruthali (Marigold) to Jamanthi (Chrysanthemum), and from Thumbapoo (Cucumber Flower) to Violet Flowers for Onam, every petal has its place and significance. Creating a Pookalam is not only about the beauty of the arrangement but about embracing the spirit of Onam and what it represents—prosperity, peace, and joy.

So, this Onam, gather your favorite flowers, get creative with your Pookalam, and celebrate the vibrant culture of Kerala.