The chrysanthemum is recognized for its diverse forms, vibrant colors, and rich history spanning multiple continents. This flower’s story begins in ancient China and reflects different cultural values as it spread across the globe.
Ancient Chinese Cultivation
The chrysanthemum’s story begins in China, where it was cultivated as a flowering herb as early as the 15th century B.C. Ancient texts describe its practical uses, from remedies for headaches using its boiled roots to incorporating young sprouts and petals into salads. The leaves were also brewed into a beverage believed to promote longevity.
The flower, known as “Chu,” was highly esteemed and became one of the “Four Gentlemen” in Chinese art, symbolizing autumn and nobility. The city of Chu-Hsien (Chrysanthemum City) was named in its honor, and by 1630, over 500 distinct cultivars had been recorded. The flower was also significant during the Double Ninth Festival, when people drank chrysanthemum wine.
Japanese Imperial Adoption
The chrysanthemum was introduced to Japan from China around the 8th century A.D. The Japanese were so captivated by the flower, which they call “Kiku,” that it was adopted as the official seal and crest of the Emperor. This imperial endorsement made it a powerful emblem of the throne and the nation, with the highest honor for service being the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum.
The flower’s image is so ingrained in the national identity that it appears on the 50-yen coin. Japanese cultivators developed unique growing techniques, creating a variety of new flower shapes. To celebrate the flower, Japan established the “Festival of Happiness” on September 9th, an event that highlights it as a symbol of longevity and rejuvenation.
Introduction to the Western World
The chrysanthemum’s journey to the West began in the 17th century. A primary figure in its introduction was Pierre Louis Blancard, a French merchant who brought three varieties back from China. Only one, a cultivar named ‘Old Purple,’ survived the journey and became a foundational plant for European gardens.
Swedish botanist Karl Linnaeus formally named the flower by combining the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower). Western botanists and horticulturists were fascinated by the plant’s potential, and their extensive hybridization efforts resulted in thousands of the cultivars known today.
By the late 18th century, the chrysanthemum had crossed the Atlantic to the Americas. In 1798, a nurseryman named John Stevens introduced the ‘Old Purple’ variety to the United States. The flower’s popularity grew, leading to the establishment of the Chrysanthemum Society of America and marking its full integration into Western horticulture.
Cultural Symbolism
The cultural meaning of the chrysanthemum evolved as it traveled the globe. In China, its place of origin, it represents longevity and nobility. In Japan, it symbolizes the Imperial family, rejuvenation, and happiness, reflecting its esteemed status as the Emperor’s seal.
In the Western world, the flower’s symbolism is more varied. In the United States, chrysanthemums signify joy, friendship, and optimism. They are a popular feature of autumnal decorations and are often given as cheerful gifts.
This contrasts with its meaning in some European nations like France, Belgium, and Italy, where the chrysanthemum is strongly associated with mourning and grief. It is traditionally used to adorn gravesites and is a common flower for funerals, embodying solemn remembrance rather than celebration.