The Chrysanthemum is a treasured floral beauty like no other. Similar to the other flowers from the Aster family, a Chrysanthemum holds a very deep message and symbolic meaning. Its beauty and grace transcend through time that even the great philosopher Confucius is left mesmerized! If you’re left intrigued about what this blossom beholds – keep on reading to find it out!
Growing chrysanthemum flowers will surely make a great addition to your garden! Not only will it add more beauty but it will also add that pop of color during springtime!
In this article, you will discover the chrysanthemum flower meaning when it comes to culture, spirituality and more.
History of Chrysanthemum Flowers
In the course of the history of the Chrysanthemums, the great Chinese philosopher Confucius was the first to mention its beauty 500 years before Christ. It was then described in 1548 as a perennial composite herb or shrub with double petal bright colored flowers.
Chrysanthemums belong to the genus Chrysanthemum of the Aster or Asteraceae family. The genus name comes from the Latin and Greek word Chrysanthemon referring to any plant with bright yellow flowers. Additionally, it can also come from the words Chrysós meaning gold, and Ánthemon meaning flower.
The Chrysanthemums literally mean the golden flower! There are roughly over 40 species of these dainty and beautiful blossoms. They are primarily native to the subtropical and temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Got any clues as to what nicknames this plant has? Since its floral name is quite long, it is also famously called the Chrysanths or Mums. Some of a florist’s favorite species include the Moon Daisy (C. maximum), the Small Feverfern (C. parthenium), the Gaudy Tricolor (C. carinatum), and the Paris Daisy (C, frutescens).
Symbolism of Chrysanthemum Blossoms
Historical Japanese traditions have high regard for Mum blossoms. It was an esteemed Japanese symbol of the emperor and the imperial royal family. The flowers are floral representations of the sun and good luck.
Mums were called Kiku in Japanese. These are symbolic flowers of September embodying optimism, long life, and happiness. Folks in the United States also believe its floral symbolism of positivity and cheer!
Apart from its bright floral colors, there are some quite gloomy symbolisms known for Mums. In some European customs, the Mums are a symbol of condolence and grievance in funerals and graves.
Elder Italians and folks in Malta also believe in a similar symbolic meaning for the Mums. They say that bringing these flowers into homes will bring about bad luck!
Meaning of Chrysanthemum Flowers
In the language of flowers, a Mum can mean cheerfulness, abundance, and wealth – just take a look at its bright double petals!
Such flowers, on another note, can also mean undoubted loyalty and true affections. It is a flower that greatly expresses one’s purest and deepest emotions.
In some understandings, a Mum can indicate a happy home. And the most peaceful meaning a happy home has is solitude and rest.
What does a White Chrysanthemum Flower Mean?
White Mums are a spectacular sight to see when in bloom. Witnessing such splendor can mean the unveiling of the truth and newfound hope.
What does a Purple Chrysanthemum Blossom Symbolize?
Purple Chrysanthemums are playful and quite beautiful in appearance. This floral color symbolizes faithfulness and truthfulness.
What does a Red Chrysanthemum Floret Indicate?
A deep red Mum flower can only indicate one special meaning – a passionate and deeply rooted feeling of love.
What does a Yellow Chrysanthemum Bloom Represent?
Yellow Mums are quite special. For one, it represents a slighted love or the love gained in a true and lasting friendship.
What does an Orange Chrysanthemum Flower Symbolize?
If you’re looking for a flower that symbolizes a happy heart and blissful joy – then an orange Mum can mean and symbolize just that!
What is the Cultural Significance of Chrysanthemum Blossom?
The Chrysanthemums are honored as sacred flowers all over Asia. Since time before, these were historically dubbed as flowers of nobility and distinction and an object of meditation. In the great nations of China and Japan, the Chrysanthemums are regarded as very sacred and important flowers.
It is called the Chu Hua or the Chinese flower of October and Autumn. The blossoms are symbolic of a bountiful harvest and peaceful rest and ease for Chinese farmers. The art of Chinese Feng Shui believes that Mums are also said to be harbingers of happiness and loveliness.
During the Imperial Reign period in China, Mums were only available and owned by the most elite and noble people. Similarly, the Republican China era used Mums as a decorative floral motif on the collars, badges, and buckles of the Chinese army.
Historical Japanese again regard this as a flower befitting royalty and nobility. Late emperors sat on Mum-like thrones and practiced drinking wine with a single petal on the bottom of the glass – for a long and healthy life for the reigning!
The Japanese have held a national Chrysanthemum Day since the early 8th century known as the Festival of Happiness. Chrysanthemums during the feasts were also symbolic of the sun and its orderly blooming period symbolized perfection.
What is the Spiritual Influence of Chrysanthemum Floret?
The essence of Chrysanthemums holds a very deep spiritual influence – especially in homes! It offers protection in houses while releasing feelings of anger letting the flow of forgiveness in. The most powerful influence of Mums is its ability to initiate an optimistic influence during days of gloom and doom.
Such flowers also bestow longevity of life by infusing vigor, youthful energy, and healthy curiosity in mind and heart. It opens the mental clarity for a clearer mind and a more focused sense of thought.
As a flower of protection, it creates a shield from psychic attacks and invisible dangers. Mums are in fact, also great flowers that soothe grief by building inner strength and shining a light of hope.
What are the Folktales Associated with a Chrysanthemum Bloom?
There is a folktale going around about the mystical powers of Mums. Folks say that growing Mums in backyards or gardens can fend off evil spirits trying to enter homes!
What does a Chrysanthemum Floral Tattoo Symbolize?
The beauty of a Mum flower is not only seen in pots and gardens – Mums are a favorite floral tattoo design! There is a beautiful meaning and symbolism behind a Mum floral tattoo. It is for those who believe in divine enlightenment and the afterlife.
Those who choose this design strongly believe and want to represent rebirth. It is also a tattoo that symbolizes love and peace.
Uses of Chrysanthemums
The beauty of Chrysanthemums is mostly admired as potted plants and outdoor garden ornamentals.
For outdoor gardening, floral enthusiasts suggest these plants as bedding flowering plants! Aside from this, Chrysanthemums also have a few medicinal benefits, culinary uses, and insecticidal properties.
In Chinese culinary tradition, Mum leaves were boiled or steamed and consumed as leafy greens. Mums with white petals were also used to make a delectable tea infusion. Such petals can also be added to sugar syrup to enhance its flavor and aroma.
Chrysanthemums are also known as the Pyrethrum flower. Its seeds contain an active compound called pyrethrin with known insecticidal properties. In fact, some floral enthusiasts place Mums indoors for air pollution control!
Some medicinal applications of Mums utilize fresh flowers. In traditional Chinese medicine, fresh Mum flowers are used to treat sore eyes. The blossoms are soaked in warm water and placed on top of closed eyes as tradition says.
A word of warning that it’s a must to always consult a medical professional before using this plant or any part of it for medical purposes.
~ image source: depositphotos/Dudaeva