The sampaguita (Jasminium sambac), the tropical jasmine flower, is the national flower of the Philippines. It comes from a small bush abundant all over the country and the flowers bloom the whole year round. The sweet-smelling sampaguita is a symbol of purity, devotion, simplicity, humility, strength and fidelity.
Traditionally, sampaguitas flowers are often strung as in lei, and draped around guests' necks when they arrive in the Philippines.
According to folklore, a young princess named Lakambini pledged eternal fidelity to a nobleman, Lakan Galing, as be set off to defend her kingdom. The princess said: "Sumpa kita" (I promise you) to the nobleman as they embraced on a hilltop overlooking the sea. The princess waited for months but her lover never returned. Lakambini died soon after of a broken heart and was buried on the same hilltop where she made her vow. On her solitary grave grew a vine with white sweetly-scented blooms which were named "sampaguita" because it echoed the promise once made by the princess. |
