Chysanthemum

Floral Message

While chrysanthemums generally denote cheerfulness and rest, individual colors do carry specific messages: red for love, good luck and best wishes; white for truth; and yellow for slighted love. Chrysanthemums will be welcomed throughout the British Isles and North America for any occasion. In Italy, however, their exclusive association with the dead makes chrysanthemums acceptable only for funerals.

History and Lore about the Chysanthemum

Commonly called mums or tansies, this popular perennial's name comes from the Greek chrysos (gold) and anthos (flower). The Chusan daisy became the pompom chrysanthemum so called because in France, where it was first grown, it looked like the pompons on sailors' hats. Chrysanthemums had been cultivated in Chinese gardens for more than 2,500 years before first being exhibited in England in 1795. Brought by visiting Buddhist monks, the chrysanthemum arrived in Japan in AD 400.

Interesting Facts about the Chysanthemum

Chysanthemum were taken to England by a botanist in the 18th century and their popularity quickly spread and remains strong today. The french have developed some of today's most popular hybrids.

Called "kikus" in Japanese, chrysanthemums were featured on the Imperial Crest of Japan, and were so beloved by Japanese emperors that they sat upon chrysanthemum thrones. The Japanese still hold the chrysanthemum as a symbol of the sun, and they consider the orderly unfolding of the mum's petals to be a symbol of perfection.They also presume that a single chrysanthemum petal placed in the bottom of a wine glass encourages a long and healthy life.