Parkwell's
Floral Designs, Inc.
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Chrysanthemum
(Chrysanthemum morifolium)
—Common Names:—
Mums
Flower of Happiness
Chrysanthemum is the flower of November.
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Commonly called "mums" or "tansies," this popular perennial's name comes from the Greek chrysos (gold) and anthos (flower).
The chrysanthemum genus is made up of 150 species, including the common daisy.
It was named by Carl Linnaeus.
The chrysanthemum has been revered by the Orientals for centuries.
Confucius wrote about them in 500 B.C.
They were cultivated over 3,000 years ago by the Chinese, and is also known as the Flower of the East and the Flower of Life.
Mums were considered the flower of the Chinese noble class, and common people were not allowed to grow them in their gardens.
Chrysanthemum tea is used to cure headaches or depression, and their petals are eaten in salads to increase longevity of life.
According to Chinese Feng Shui chrysanthemums will bring happiness to your home.
The Asians consider it to be a sacred flower and the world's greatest chrysanthemum growers are the Japanese, who first got the flower from China at the end of the 4th century A.D.
The Japanese regard it as a symbol of the sun, and the orderly positioning of the petals to be a symbol of perfection.
It's carved into the Emperor's throne, and is the national flower of Japan.
The greatest honour for a person, is to receive the Order of the Chrysanthemum.
The Japanese believe that a single petal placed in the bottom of a wine glass encourages a long and healthy life.
According to a German legend, one cold, Christmas Eve in Germany's Black Forest, a peasant family was sitting down to eat when they heard someone at the door.
When they opened the door they found a beggar who was blue with cold.
They wrapped him in blankets and shared their food.
Upon leaving, the blankets were shed, revealing a man in shining white clothes with a halo around his head.
He thanked them for their hospitality and left.
The next morning, outside the door where he had stood, were two white chrysanthemums.
Today, many Germans bring white chrysanthemums into their homes on Christmas Eve, believing that by doing so they are sheltering the Christ Child.
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.
People of Malta and Italy think it is unlucky to have the flower indoors.
Chrysanthemum Symbolises Optimism and Happiness
They are associated with funerals and All Saints Day.
While chrysanthemums generally denote cheerfulness under adversity,
individual colors do carry specific messages:
red for love, good luck and best wishes;
white for truth;
and yellow for slighted love.
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