Araliya Flowers, Passikuda, Sri Lanka
Araliya - the Temple Tree, Sri Lanka
In Sri Lankan culture, the flower of the araliya (ar-a-lee-a) tree bears a special role. On days of religious significance, the flowers are borne to the temple by Buddhist children and women as an offering to Buddha.
The flowers are frequently found at festive occasions in homes and hotels, often in a bowl of water. They may also be made into a garland for visiting foreign dignitaries.
The araliya tree is called "Temple Tree" by English-speaking Sri Lankans. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister's official residence in Kollupitiya, Colombo also bears the name "Temple Trees".
The flowers are frequently found at festive occasions in homes and hotels, often in a bowl of water. They may also be made into a garland for visiting foreign dignitaries.
The araliya tree is called "Temple Tree" by English-speaking Sri Lankans. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister's official residence in Kollupitiya, Colombo also bears the name "Temple Trees".