Why did billie holiday where the gardenia in her hair?

According to Carmen McRae she burned her hair once with curling tongs just before she had to go on stage. Billie Holiday couldn't go on stage like that and there was a crisis in her wardrobe. You should know that Billie Holiday was a very vain person but even if she were not vain, I can understand her...



One of her friends (I think it was Carmen McRae herself but I don't remember it exactly) went down the stairs to buy some flowers to put them on her head where she had lost her hair. There was a flower girl right at the entry of the club and Billie's friend therefore bought gardenias.



It was a coincidence if not an accident that Billie Holiday wore gardenias in her hair that evening and from that moment on until late 40s.
Why did billie holiday where the gardenia in her hair?
Bix's and Yep's answers are very clearly stated. They come from two different places...



A real jazz listener taking a break from listening to Billie's 45rpm records, so that he can help spark some interest in the art form.



And...



A person who is taking a break from MTV to post ignorant answers about something he knows nothing about (obviously). I hope he made it back to the TV in time to find out what Britney Spears is wearing. It doesn't take much courage or intelligence to insult a dead legend.
Reply:Everyone needs a signature piece. The gardenia was Billie's.
Reply:Maybe that's where she hid her dope.
Reply:Where was in her hair.



Why did she wear one? It's part of the image she created for herself. Other than that, I don't know.