Ylang-Ylang Earrings

The Story:

Once upon a time there was once a man and his wife who, for years, yearned to have a child. Then one day an angel came and told them that they would soon welcome a baby girl that was to be named Ilang. However, she was never to be touched by any man.

Ilang soon grew up to become a beautiful yet isolated young woman, for her parents would not let her go out. One day while her parents were away, Ilang decided to flee.

While picking flowers in a garden, she was come upon by a handsome man. Frightened at the sight of him, she ran away. He, however, pursued Ilang, but as soon as he grasped her arm, she disappeared.

Upon finding her gone, her parents searched high and low for their daughter. Her mother soon caught a familiar scent, and, following it, came upon a beautiful tree with fragrant flowers. She recognized the scent as Ilang’s, and from then on the tree came to be known as the ilang-ilang, in honor of their lost daughter.

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The ylang-ylang flower is prized for its delicate scent. The flower itself is used in essential oils and perfumes, most notably in Chanel No. 5. In Manila, the flowers are strung together with sampaguitas and are used to adorn religious images.