What’s Your Rave Name: Flower Kandi

More than a mere nickname, a rave name is a rite of passage for ravers. It is an embodiment of the unique personality and quirkiness of its bearer, as this personalized term of endearment represents the very essence of who each party person is under their kandi, totem and festival getups. The tradition is a bonding moment between the namer and namee, and it is yet another reason why our culture is marked by a quality of togetherness. In celebration of this custom, we’re asking a few of our Headliners to share their backstory on how they were first bestowed their party pseudonyms.

Headliner: Amparo
Rave name: Flower Kandi

Tell us the backstory on how this name was given to you.
I was at my fourth event ever, which was Nocturnal 2011. I was by the restrooms near the Labyrinth stage, waiting for a friend, when a fellow raver began to compliment me on my kandi.

We began to talk about how we both enjoyed making them for events, and then I pointed out how much I liked his kandi necklace with the alien head from Toy Story. He said thanks and told me that a friend of his made it for him because his rave name was Cosmic Alien. He asked me what mine was, and I told him, “Sadly, I haven’t been given one yet,” but I couldn’t wait for the day. He said, “Well, shoot. I’ll name you!”

He asked me what a couple of my favorite things were and saw I was wearing a flower kandi headband. Almost immediately, he said he had it and gave me my name. After that, my friend came out of the restroom, so Cosmic Alien and I said our goodbyes. He reminded me to always keep PLUR alive within myself and to continue to spread it to others. I’ll never forget that moment.

What was your initial reaction when this happened?
I was immediately thrilled and overjoyed. I finally felt like I was truly a part of the rave culture. It was a moment I had been waiting for since I first heard about raving. I finally felt accepted and one with the scene.

How have you incorporated the “Flower Kandi” theme into your outfits, kandi pieces, etc.? In what ways does “Flower Kandi” embody your personality, lifestyle, and behavioral traits?
It really embodies it all, because anyone who knows me knows how much I really love nature and kandi. They’re really my two favorite things.

Ever since I was rave-named Flower Kandi, I’ve always made sure that I would try to have every piece of kandi I’ve made have a flower on them. As far as outfits, before I started purchasing flower crowns from Kulturshop, I would always wear my flower headband made out of kandi. I also made an outfit from a corset and added flowers on it with vines, that I used for a couple events. I usually always have a flower in my hair or my clothes and accessories on me every day.

In what setting(s) do you typically present yourself with your rave name instead of your given name?
For me, I use both my real name and rave name in real life. Normally, my name is hard for certain people to pronounce, so I use Flower Kandi, or just “Flower” for short. I actually prefer when people call me that over my real name.

Why is the rave name tradition important to you?
I feel the practice of giving each other a rave name is very important because it helps bring all of us closer and to build a family-like bond with one another. Also, [it’s a] memory we create together, which will always be cherished and kept close to our hearts. It’s a beautiful way of expressing ourselves.

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