What side do you wear a flower if your single?

October 10, 2017

Sometimes in life it is useful for you to know who is single and available and who is in a relationship and off the market. In fact, sometimes it might be you who is trying to put this information out there. There is a way of saying this without saying a word.

If you’re going to a Hawaiian themed event like a luau or house party, one way to declare your relationship status is by wearing a flower in your hair. If you wear the flower behind your right ear, that means you are single. If you wear the flower behind your left ear, that means you are in a relationship. And of course, you can always just wear the flower behind your left ear so guys think you are taken and thus less likely to hit on you. Or vice versa, if that’s your thing.

Also in Aloha Fashion & Lifestyle News

2022 Christmas Gift Ideas

October 22, 2022

Nothing says Aloha more than the gift of an awesome Aloha shirt or dress. When you wear a piece of Aloha, it is hard not to feel just a little bit happier and more relaxed. And who doesn’t want some of that in today’s fast paced and often stressful world?

A Guide to Hawaii's Culture: From Clothing to Food

June 14, 2022

The culture of Hawaii isn't famous for no reason. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the small islands to get a taste of the rich culture found only in Hawaii. To this day, the energy and spirit of Aloha flow through strongly the islands of Hawaii, allowing it to radiate energies of love and compassion for others.

Calla Lily Shirt on Magnum PI (Again)

October 02, 2021

Season 4 of Magnum PI started with a bang with Jay Hernandez wearing one of our favorite Paradise Found shirts, the Calla Lily (black version) Aloha shirt. He wrote this same shirt way back in Season 2 so it was fun to see him wearing it again.

Steps

1. 

   1

   Choose the freshest and best sized flower. Just like fruits and vegetables, brown spots and small holes starts to appear on flowers after they have reached their peak of maturity. Try to find a good sized flower to put on -- you don't want a humungous hibiscus flower covering your entire ear.

2. 

   2

   Wear a traditional lei. Mimicking necklaces, this is the most popular and known method in wearing Hawaiian flowers. Leis are an everyday accessory to give and wear in Hawaii instead of reserving them for special occasions. Allow the giver to "lei" you, instead of putting it on yourself.

   • Have caution while wearing backpacks, camera straps, or anything that may damage the flowers or petals.
   • It is out of respect not to remove leis in the presence of the giver.

   Advertisement

3. 

   3

   Wear a flower bracelet. Like the haku lei, dress your wrists with a bracelet of flowers. Be sure to measure properly before tying the final knot to ensure flexibility and easy removal.

4. 

   4

   Wear a flower behind your ear. This is the most traditional method in Hawaii amongst locals. There is, however, meanings of each ear the flower appears on. Women who wear the flower on the right side is signalling that she is single, while a flower on the left means that she's married or in a relationship.

   • Use hair clips or bobby pins to secure the flower in place.

5. 

   5

   Wear a head lei. Known as a "haku lei", just about any flower and foliage can be used, such as ferns, plumerias, and orchids. Haku leis sit comfortably on top of one's head, similar to a hat.

Advertisement

Add New Question

• Question

  On which side of the head should a married woman wear her flower?

  

  A married woman should wear the flower on the left side of her head.

• Question

  Can a man wear these?

  

  Men sometimes wear flowers as a boutonniere for formal occasions. They can also wear a lei just like a woman can. For something more traditionally Hawaiian, men wear leis made with kukui nuts, leaves, or maile.

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

• The key to keeping flowers lasting longer is to keep them chilled. Homemade leis should be wrapped, either in plastic bags or containers, and kept in the refrigerator until ready to place on a person. Keep multiple leis separate from one another, as the condensation and aromas from the flowers will mix with one another.

  As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Advertisement

References

1. Adapted from Trails.com, http://www.trails.com/how_13030_wear-hawaiian-flowers.html , "How to Wear Hawaiian Flowers"

About This Article

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 58,421 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  "Had no idea of the different ways to wear flowers. Since I'm going in June, I'm glad I know a little about it."

Did this article help you?

Where do I put my flowers if single?

Which ear does a single woman wear a flower?

Which side should a woman wear a flower?

Which ear means your single?