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Ohia Tree; Metrosideros polymorpha
Taken: May 2005
Volcanoes National Park, The Big Island
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In Hawaiian mythology, ʻŌhiʻa and Lehua were two young lovers. The volcano goddess Pele fell in love with the handsome ʻŌhiʻa and approached him, but he turned down her advances. In a fit of jealousy, Pele transformed ʻŌhiʻa into a tree. Lehua was devastated by this transformation and out of pity the other gods turned her into a flower and placed her upon the ʻōhiʻa tree.[7](Other versions state that Pele felt guilty but was unable to reverse the change, so she turned Lehua into a flower herself.)[8] Separating these united lovers is not encouraged, and it is said that when a lehua flower is plucked from an ʻōhiʻa tree, the sky fills with rain representing the lovers' tears.
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The red Ohia is the official flower of the Big Island. It is actually a blossom of the native Ohia Tree. Besides red, the blossom can also be yellow, orange or white. It is said that the Ohia presents the goddess Pele. Pele is the hot-headed, bad-tempered and violent goddess of fire and volcanoes and violence. Pele is frequently encountered in the world of the mortals, where she attends social dancings and parties. She loves dancing, but gets furious if she can’t get a man. She is notorious for her jealousy and vengeance.
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3 comments:
Fascinating story and these are so exotic looking. I've not seen them in person but would love to. Guess I'll have to take a trip out there :)
These are absolutely gorgeous! Hawaii must be great fun!
Gorgeous flower, and thanks so much for including the legend as well!
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