Ready Reference Files

Flowers -- Wearing Over Ear

Conflicting answers are found to the question of the symbolism of wearing a flower behind the right ear. According to Volume 8 of Peoples of the Earth, Polynesia and Micronesia, a flower behind the right ear means that the wearer is looking for a sweetheart. However, Alice Coats, in Flowers and Their Histories, mentions that "in the South Sea Islands a red hibiscus flower worn behind the left ear signifies 'I desire a lover'; behind the right ear 'I have a lover' and behind both ears 'I have one lover, but desire another'". Also, an article in National Geographic from October 1962, p.581, states "She wears blooms over the left ear to signify that she is unmarried." A "Dear Abby" column from the September 14, 1989 San Francisco Chronicle, also states: "If a girl wears a flower over her left ear, it means she's uninvolved, approachable. A flower worn over her right ear means she is spoken for, romantically involved, so hands off."

Source: RQ. Spring, 1984, p.270.
Also: "Dear Abby", San Francisco Chronicle, September 14, 1989.

Verified by: GM, 6/98

Disclaimer:
While the Library has verified the information presented in these files in what it considers to be reliable and authoritative sources, it cannot take responsibility for nor guarantee the accuracy of the information presented.