Say it With Flowers

A diminutive, gray-haired Ravi Shankar sat upon a throne-like chair onstage the crowded Pasadena City College auditorium. As people stepped forward to place garlands of red, white, pink and orange carnations, roses and orchids around his neck, he stood up. Some touched or kissed his feet, and he warmly acknowledged them by laying garlands around their necks, making the namaste gesture, touching their hands or placing his upon their heads.

Indians call this tradition garlanding, which conveys honor upon a wide array of beings, be they a master musician or a deity. On this occasion, the Music Circle, a Los Angeles-based Indian music association, along with representatives from other academic and music organizations, honored Shankar for receiving the Jewel of India (Bharat Ratna) award, India’s highest civilian honor. It acknowledged Shankar’s contribution to the world of music.

In the U.S., Hawaiian leis are a more familiar form of flower offerings. Hawaiians present them to election victors, at the opening of new buildings and on all auspicious occasions. Brides and grooms wear leis, and at funerals, Hawaiians place them over the casket. At high school and college graduations, families festoon them on honorees. Leis also may incorporate pleated paper money folded to look like flowers. Regardless of gender, when Hawaiians present a lei, they kiss the recipient on the cheek.

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Norine Dresser’s latest book is “Multicultural Celebrations” (Three Rivers Press, 1999). E-mail: norined@earthlink.net.