Growing a Religion

You may not have heard of it, this obscure religion, an offshoot from Hinduism as practiced here on Bali. Perhaps because I’ve just discovered it myself – or, more precisely, conjured it up myself. Consider it a floral-based spiritual practice.

I call it Frangipanity – but feel free to follow its sister religion, known locally as Hibiscusism.

If you were to see me, pressing petals into the chignon on my head, or tucking them (as the locals do) behind my ear, you’d realize (quite happily, I hope) that I’ve become a devotee. Which is just fine by me. Because I can’t now imagine getting through a day that is devoid of the scent and sight of flowers absolutely everywhere…