Singapore has a really unique way of constructing strong ties with other nations. Instead of simply giving regular gifts, the country names recent orchid flowers after necessary guests. This practice known as “orchid diplomacy.”
It helps construct strong bonds with other nations through beauty and nature. Orchid Diplomacy is a gesture of friendship intended to advertise goodwill between Singapore and its “best friends”. Today, over 280 orchid hybrids are named after world leaders, royalty and celebrities.
The story of a novel diplomacy strategy
According to BiblioAsia, a free quarterly published by the National Library Board (NLB) of Singapore, the tradition of naming orchids after VIPs began in 1956. The first flower was named after Lady Anne Black, wife of British Governor Robert Black.
In 1957, the official VIP orchid naming program began. For a protracted time, orchids were named after the wives of visiting leaders. This was because gardening was once considered a hobby mainly for ladies, while men were involved in politics.
In the Eighties, this system began to alter. Male leaders also began receiving orchids, starting with Japan’s Crown Prince Akihito in 1981.
Currently, this honor is especially reserved for heads of state, leaders of presidency and members of the royal family. The Singapore Botanic Gardens even has a special area called the VIP Orchid Garden where visitors can see these famous flowers.
If you might be wondering, can atypical people or civilians have an orchid named after them?
The answer is not any. These VIP orchids are also not sold within the local or international market. The only place where you possibly can see these beautiful and famous flowers is the National Orchid Garden on the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Orchid is the national flower of Singapore
The most famous orchid is the Vanda Miss Joaquim, which is the national flower of Singapore. It was created in 1893 by Agnes Joaquim, a talented gardener.
It was the primary orchid hybrid recorded in Singapore and the primary on this planet created by a lady. In 1981, the commission selected this orchid as a national symbol.
The flower was chosen since it is colourful, beautiful and really hardy. It can bloom all yr round, representing the spirit of Singapore.
People can see this flower on money, stamps and even in Singapore’s architecture. Currently, it’s an emblem of national pride and multicultural harmony between all ethnic communities.
Famous people and their orchids
Many famous leaders have a flower named after them. In 1985, “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher had the orchid chosen for its vigor and strength. In 1997, Nelson Mandela received a brilliant orange and red orchid to match the colours of the South African flag.
In 2016, a hybrid named after Barack and Michelle Obama was created by mixing flowers from Singapore and Hawaii, where the previous president was born. More recently, in 2024, Pope Francis was honored with a serene white orchid.
However, this doesn’t only apply to politicians. Some pop stars similar to Jackie Chan, Shah Rukh Khan and Serena Williams even have their very own orchids. Even a young 14-year-old girl, Bindi Irwin, has a flower of the identical name.
