Meaning of BORNEO ROSE |
The Borneo rose is a symbol of the indigenous tribe of Dayak on the island of Borneo in Malaysia. It does not belong to any real plant. It is usually found tattooed on the shoulders and can have different meanings depending on the situation…
Characteristics of the Borneo rose
It is a flower with 8 round and symmetrical petals which surround an internal spiral. It is usually drawn using only the color black; However, many modern tattoo artists have done more intricate designs that include other colors.
Meanings of the Borneo rose
To fully understand its meaning, one must know its origin and it is that the symbol of the rose of Borneo was born from the beliefs of a rather bloodthirsty Asian tribe.
The Dayak, originally from the island of Borneo, are famous for their barbaric customs in the 19th century. His warriors increased their prestige through rituals and tests of bravery. Later, the wise man of the tribe honored them with a tattoo on their skin.
1st Dayak Ritual to receive a rose from Borneo
The young men of the tribe, having reached puberty, yearn to receive their first tattoo of the Borneo rose as a trophy through a life ordeal.
Advice!
♥ TIP: If you want to learn more about flower therapy with the 38 Bach Flowersyou can't miss this complete guide 👈.
In the ritual called bejalai which means "journey of knowledge and wisdom", the young people left their homes and went into the forest, to "experiment and face life alone".
When they returned (if they returned), they would receive the Borneo rose on the front of one of their shoulders. Which meant the beginning of a new life.
2nd Ritual to receive the rose of Borneo
One way to gain prestige in the Dayak tribe was to "collect souls", which they believed were housed in human heads.
Thus, after a war or a hunt, to demonstrate their bravery, their courage and their level of commitment to the tribe, they brought back the heads of their enemies and the animals hunted.
And they also ate the hearts, brains and blood of other warriors with the intention of receiving extraordinary powers, more strength, more intelligence, etc. Accumulation of prestige.
The wise man of the tribe decided based on the achievements of the warrior, if he was worthy of his second tattoo of the rose of Borneo, which was placed on the front of the other shoulder.
Why was the Borneo rose so important to the tribe?
The Borneo rose was a symbol of the greatest prestige because its 8 petals refer to the 8 stages of patience envisioned in Dayak beliefs.
For its part, the spiral could represent life and its complexities. Or the eye of one of their deities. (A kind of tribal guard dog).
Whoever reached the two roses on his shoulders became a worthy protector wearing the eyes of his divinity, and thus fulfilling his duty, providing food and annihilating his enemies.
Thus, the Borneo flower is a symbol of mastering the art of patience which gives rise to the maturity needed to master all aspects of life.
Meaning of the Borneo rose in modern times
The barbaric behavior of collecting heads or getting lost in the woods is no longer a requirement for a Borneo rose tattoo. However, the practice of tattooing this symbol is still valid due to its underlying connotations.
Today the meaning can be completely individual, however it is generally linked to the overcoming obstacles, surviving a serious illness, achieving an important goal like getting a degree, starting a business, becoming a parent, etc.
Other names for the Borneo rose
- Borneo rosette
- borneo flower
- star of borneo
- flower of patience
- mature flower
- Bunga Terung
Where to get a Borneo rose tattoo?
As we explained earlier, the ancient Dayak Indians used to tattoo them on the front of their shoulders, but it is not mandatory today.
Feel free to do so in the area of your choice. Generally, the arms, elbows, wrists, thighs, and calves are good places to have them.
We hope this article has clarified your doubts about the meaning of Borneo rose, feel free to ask us here about the meaning of any flower you desire. 😉
If you have wanted to know more about the Rose of Borneo, we leave you with this video where you can see how one of them is tattooed and at the end they will explain its meaning to you.