Gardenia taitensis, ma’ohi
Tiare represents the Polynesian art of living, hospitality, friendship, respect, grace, welcome, purity, love, beauty, royalty, and Polynesian identity.
Tiare is a sacred plant, created by the gods.
It has ten names that correspond to the development of its bud and flower.
The first four, still closed, are linked to the gods. The six flowers, in bloom, belong to humans.
They evoke love and the passage of time.
Monoi oil, prepared from this precious flower, enjoys sun exposure during its fermentation.
It is said to have many virtues and is widely used in traditional medicine in Ra'au, Tahiti.
Legends attribute its creation to Atea, the Oceanic God of Creation,
with assistance from Tane, the God of Beauty.
Ta’aroa, the creator of all, the source of life, the Supreme God, proclaimed Tiare as the most resplendent flower that was ever created and presented her with a particular blessing.