What are the symbolic meanings of chrysanthemums? A clear guide to the latest interpretation
The chrysanthemum is a precious ornamental flower developed through long-term artificial selection and cultivation. Around the 8th century AD, the ornamental chrysanthemum was introduced from China to Japan. In the late 17th century, Dutch merchants brought Chinese chrysanthemums to Europe. In the 18th century, they were introduced to France, and in the mid-19th century to North America. After that, Chinese chrysanthemums spread throughout the world. Now let us take a look together at the symbolic meanings of chrysanthemums!
The symbolic meanings of chrysanthemums
The symbolic meaning of the chrysanthemum is longevity. The chrysanthemum blooms in autumn, so it is a symbol of autumn, and people even call the ninth month “the chrysanthemum month”. Because chrysanthemum is homophonous with “ju” (to rely on), and “nine” is homophonous with “long-lasting”, the chrysanthemum is also used to symbolize longevity or lastingness. Chrysanthemums picked on the Double Ninth Festival, the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, are considered even more meaningful. They are often used to make fine chrysanthemum tea, and some people steep chrysanthemums picked on this day in aged rice wine, or bathe with chrysanthemums, all taking the meaning of “longevity through chrysanthemum water”.
The cultural connotations of chrysanthemums
The chrysanthemum ranks third among China's ten famous flowers, is one of the Four Gentlemen of flowers (plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum), and is also one of the world's four major cut flowers (chrysanthemum, rose, carnation, gladiolus), with the highest production. Because the chrysanthemum has the character of enduring cold and braving snow, Tao Yuanming wrote the famous line “Picking chrysanthemums by the eastern fence, I gaze leisurely at the southern mountains.” Chinese people have the custom of viewing chrysanthemums and drinking chrysanthemum wine on the Double Ninth Festival. In Tang dynasty poet Meng Haoran's “Visiting an Old Friend's Farm”: “When the Double Ninth Festival comes, I will come again for the chrysanthemums.” In ancient myths and legends, the chrysanthemum was also endowed with the meanings of auspiciousness and longevity.
What is the flower language of chrysanthemums?
The chrysanthemum has endured wind and frost and has tenacious vitality and noble character. Because Tao Yuanming picked chrysanthemums by the eastern fence, it earned the title “hermit among flowers”. In Japan it is a symbol of the imperial family. Its colors are many and varied, and their meanings differ. The flower language of the yellow chrysanthemum is faint love; the white chrysanthemum signifies mourning in China and is generally used on occasions of mourning the dead, while in Japan it is a symbol of chastity and honesty; the dark red chrysanthemum expresses charm.