Chrysanthemums are commonly called
"mums" or at times "tansies". This perennial's name comes from the Greek
words chrysos (gold) and anthos (flower).
Chrysanthemums were cultivated in
Chinese gardens for more than 2,500 years before they were first exhibited in
England in approximately 1795. The ancient Chinese named them Chrysanthemum ("chu
hua").
Chrysanthemums were considered one
of the four Chinese "noble plants" along with bamboo, plum, and orchid . They
were once the official badge of the Chinese Army. Chrysanthemums were also
considered the flower of the Chinese nobility. They were prohibited in a lower
class person's garden. An old Chinese belief once said using a chrysanthemum
to wipe the mouth after drinking wine and then giveing the flower to one's
beloved would ensure undying love and fidelity.
Visiting Buddhist monks brought the chrysanthemum
to Japan in approximately 400 ACE. In Japan the blooms are called called
kikus and were pictured on the Imperial Crest of Japan and were so beloved
by Japanese Emperors that they sat upon chrysanthemum thrones.
The Japanese still consider the chrysanthemum as
a symbol of the sun and they believe the orderly unfolding of this flower’s
petals to be a symbol of perfection. They also believe that a single
chrysanthemum petal placed in the bottom of a wine glass encourages a long and
healthy life.
In The Black Forest region of
Germany there is a Christian legend about "The White Chrysanthemum".
One cold and snowy Christmas Eve, a
family sitting down to a meal heard wailing outside thier door . At first
they thought perhaps it was the wind but after hearing the wailing repeatedly
they opened their door to find a beggar. The poor man, who was blue and
freezing with cold, was brought into their home and they shared with him
their modest meal. To their amazement, the beggar shed his blanket and revealed
he had shining white clothing and a bright halo around his head. As he fled out
of their door he called out that he was the Christ Child.
In the morning where he had stood in
the snow were found two white chrysanthemums. Even now, on Christmas Eve many
Germans will bring white chrysanthemums into their homes in the belief they
are sheltering the Christ Child.
Chrysanthemums denote cheerfulness
and rest. The colors do carry specific messages:
Chrysanthemums are welcome
throughout the British Isles and North America for any occasion. In Italy,
however, they are associated with the dead and usually considered acceptable
only for funerals.
© Arwynn Macfeylynnd 2002- 2006
All rights reserved.
