The flower garland has been used throughout human history for decorative and religious purposes, and South Asia is no exception to this tradition.
Due to their beauty, fragrance, and ready availability, flowers have been used in many forms both as ornamental and sacred items. In Thamil culture, nowhere is this more apparent than in the creation and presentation of the maalai, or the flower garland.
There are a multitude of different types of flower garlands for different purposes, with the type and color of flowers used often denoting a specific intention. In the secular realm, flower garlands can be used to decorate the house to be pleasing aesthetically or to celebrate an occasion, such as a housewarming. The same is true for commencement of new activities, such as opening a shop or purchasing a new car. Garlands may also be bestowed to honor an achievement, such as a political victory or completion of a rite of passage.
There are many more considerations when flower garlands are used in worship, such as when presented before Hindu gods. Many gods are associated with certain flowers or types of garlands, and offering their favorites may result in their favor. For example, a garland of arugampul, or Bermuda grass, is usually offered to the god Ganesha, as he is believed to clear away obstacles. Tulasi, or holy basil, is often used in offerings to Vishnu, as it is associated with Lakshmi, his consort. The goddess Mariamman is presented with garlands of the neem leaf, as it is medicinal, and she is believed to use it to strike down all diseases.
For the formal presentation of religious flower garlands, there may be restrictions on how the garland is made and from where the flowers may be obtained. Some temples have their own flower gardens to provide the many garlands used in daily worship and prayer. Some temples even forbid outside garlands, assigning professional garland-makers to produce garlands strictly for a certain deity. In this case, the flowers may only be picked in the morning after the maker has bathed, and flowers which have fallen on the ground may not be used.
There are also garlands made for specific ceremonies, such as the varamala, the garland used in Hindu wedding ceremonies, during the ritual of the same name. During this rite, the bride and groom exchange flower garlands, a symbol of respect and trust.