Hi, I am Martin Fuller. I have set up Magpie Cottage as a ho...
Hi, I am Martin Fuller. I have set up Magpie Cottage as a homestay BnB in Taumarunui in the centre of the North Island of New...
@Elisa - I had to take the time to celebrate our Jasmines.Appreciate your question on Jasmine.
Jasmines to my heart, mind and culture
Jasmine, known as "Mallika" in Sanskrit, โMalligaiโ Tamil is often associated with purity, love, and sensuality. The flowers have delicate white petals and enchanting fragrance . Jasmine flowers hold deep cultural, religious, and symbolic significance in India, particularly Tamil Nadu, revered for their fragrance, beauty, and spiritual associations. Tamil Nadu adorns several varieties of the flower both for their fragrant qualities and their traditional uses.
Two notable jasmine varieties have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags in Tamil Nadu:
โMadurai Malliโ (Jasminum sambac) is known for its rich fragrance, making it highly prized for making garlands and perfumes. The flowers are larger, the scent is intense, and they remain fresh for a longer time compared to other varieties. Primarily cultivated in and around the city of Madurai, along with few neighbouring districts.
โOoty Malliโ (Jasminum auriculatum). This variety is known for its unique, mildly sweet fragrance. Unlike the โMadurai Malli,โ the flowers are generally smaller. These are cultivated in the Nilgiris district, specifically around Ooty.
Both โMadurai Malliโ and โOoty Malliโ have benefited from this acknowledgment as it assists in preserving their heritage and supports the local economy by signaling authenticity to consumers.
Other Popular Jasmine Varieties in Tamil Nadu (Without GI tags):
"Jathimalli" (Jasminum grandiflorum), Known for its large flowers and powerful fragrance. Often referred to as "Royal Jasmine" or "Spanish Jasmine.โ Widely used in industries for manufacturing perfumes and essential oils.
"Pitchi" (Jasminum sambac), Small, multiple layered, and incredibly fragrant flowers.
Its a symbol of Purity and Love, it is a popular choice in weddings and romantic settings. It is frequently used in bridal adornments, symbolising the purity of love and the sanctity of marriage.
It carries a wider religious significance, Jasmine flowers are commonly used in religious ceremonies and rituals across various Indian faiths. They are offered to deities in temples as a symbol of devotion and respect. Its fragrance is believed to please the gods and purify the atmosphere during prayers.
Jasmine is highly valued for its aromatic properties, and its essential oil is used in perfumery, incense, and aromatherapy. In traditional Indian medicine, particularly Ayurveda, jasmine is used for its calming effects, helping to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. It is also used in treating skin conditions and for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Jasmine flowers are a prominent motif in Indian art, literature, and folklore. They are often associated with beauty and elegance, frequently appearing in poetry and songs to symbolise the beauty of a loved one or the fleeting nature of life. The flower is also a common motif in traditional Indian textiles and jewellery designs.
In India, jasmine is a quintessential part of daily life, particularly in the southern states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Women often adorn their hair with jasmine garlands, a practice that signifies femininity, grace, and auspiciousness.
Jasmine is cultivated extensively in India for both domestic use and export. The flower plays a significant role in the livelihoods of farmers in regions where it is grown, contributing to the local economy through the production of jasmine garlands, perfumes, and essential oils.
Jasmine is much more than a flower in India; it is a symbol of spirituality, love, and cultural heritage. Its presence in religious rituals, traditional medicine, and daily life underscores its integral role in Indian society, making it one of the most cherished and revered flowers in the country.
Thank you
