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 their 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:

  • Red for love, good luck and best wishes
  • White for truth
  • Yellow for slighted love.

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.

© Khepera 2002- 2006

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