The chrysanthemum flower meaning comes from the sacred gardens of East Asia to the majestic realms of ancient Egypt. Its story interweaves with mythologies, legends, and traditions.
In this blog lets explore the meaning of the chrysanthemum, its rich and diverse mythologies, its history and uses.
What is the deep meaning of chrysanthemum?
The chrysanthemum flower symbolises abundance and loveliness, abundance and wealth, cheerfulness and rest, fidelity, optimism, promotes mental health and wealth. It’s possible power is protection. It comes under the dominion of the Sun and is a perfect zodiac birth flower for Leo.
Chrysanthemum flower birth month
The chrysanthemum flower is a birth flower for the Leo zodiac. The birthdays of Leo fall between 23rd of July to 22nd of August. Therefore, the Chrysanthemum flower is also the birth month flower of July and August.
Astrologers and Alchemists place the flower under the dominion of the sun. In spagyric essences, the chrysanthemum reflects the qualities of the sun. Furthermore, in Egyptian mythology the flower linked to the god Ra.
Chrysanthemum flower colour meaning
There are different chrysanthemum flower colour meaning. Let’s explore some:
Red chrysanthemum
The red chrysanthemum flower symbolise I love you.
Pink chrysanthemum
The rose coloured chrysanthemum or the pink chrysanthemum symbolises being in love.
White chrysanthemum
The white chrysanthemum means truth.
Yellow chrysanthemum
The yellow chrysanthemum symbolise imperial and scorned in love.
Spray chrysanthemum
The spray chrysanthemum is a symbol of hope.
Chrysanthemum flower Chinese meaning
In China the chrysanthemum flower hold various symbolism:
- Longevity and rejuvenation this meaning comes from the flower’s ability to bloom in autumn.
- Nobel character and integrity it comes from it ability to bloom in adverse conditions.
- Resilience and endurance as a symbol of endurance and resilience the chrysanthemum is about to thrive in challenging environments.
- Taoist symbolism, in Taoist philosophy the chrysanthemum is a sacred flower. It’ links with the quest for immortality.
- Autumn and Harvest, since the flower blooms during autumn, it connects with harvest time.
- Purity and cleanliness comes from it pure and elegant appearance.
- Symbol of the double ninth festival, this festival happens on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month and it is an important occasion.
Chrysanthemum flower spiritual meaning
The chrysanthemum flower has a spiritual meaning tied to purity, love, passion, and community. It aids to purify intentions and thoughts, bring clarity to problems, and inspire love and selflessness. Its growth in groups symbolises friendship and harmony.
The flower’s history also influences its spiritual meaning. First cultivated in China as a remedy for illnesses, it symbolised longevity and happiness. The Japanese revered it as their imperial emblem and celebrated it in their Festival of Happiness.
The spiritual meaning of the chrysanthemum flower applies to life aspects like relationships, health, career, and personal growth. It’s a helper to overcome challenges, express emotions, appreciate blessings, and connect with one’s higher self.
Chrysanthemum flower tattoo meaning
A chrysanthemum flower tattoo is a meaningful way to show your spirituality, love, and passion. The chrysanthemum is a beautiful flower with many symbolic meanings. It symbolises devoted love, loyalty, happiness, longevity, and joy.
There are many designs for a chrysanthemum flower tattoo. You can choose from round pom-poms, flat discs, needle-like or spidery petals, or curled petals. You can also mix different colours and patterns to make a unique tattoo. Adding other elements like leaves, stems, or other flowers is also an option.
You can place the tattoo anywhere on your body. Common places are the arm, shoulder, chest, back, leg, foot, or ankle. The size of the tattoo can be small or large.
A chrysanthemum flower tattoo is a great way to celebrate your spirituality, love, and passion. It’s also a way to honour the chrysanthemum flower and its rich history and symbolism. It can be a beautiful and meaningful addition to your body art.
Are chrysanthemum flower edible?
The garland and coronarium chrysanthemum are used in Asian cuisine. In China, it has been used for centuries in stir-fries and teas. The leaves of the chrysanthemum are used in chop suey.
Garland chrysanthemum flowers are used as croutons. They are served over vegetable soup or as a snack.
The chrysanthemum is a also a blood tonic that aids in clearing toxins.
Chrysanthemum flower in Feng Shui
In the practice of Feng Shui, the chrysanthemum flower represents longevity, joy, and optimism. Place the Chrysanthemum in the home or office it brings good luck, prosperity and positive energy.
According to Feng Shui, placing chrysanthemums in the west of a home or office promotes creativity and enhances the energy of children.
The north-west direction will also attract helpful people and mentors.
Chrysanthemum flower mythology
The chrysanthemum flower is rich in mythology and this contributes to its meaning. Lets explore some folklore and mythology of the chrysanthemum flower.
Japanese mythology
In Japanese mythology the chrysanthemum flower is associated with the story of Amaterasu. She was the Sun goddess and played an important role in the nation’s origin.
The flower is intertwined with the country’s imperial identity. In ancient texts like Kojiki and Nihon Shoki the Emperor was the direct descendant of Amaterasu.
Amaterasu retreated in a cave and plunged the world into darkness. The other gods resorted to clever tactics in order to persuade the goddess to re-emerge.
Upon her return, Amaterasu brought sunlight and life back to Earth. She also brought the chrysanthemum flower which became a manifestation of her radiant presence and the life-giving power of the sun.
The chrysanthemum flower’s association with the Imperial family would be solidified during the Nara period. During the time the flower was officially recognised as an emblem of the imperial court.
Chinese mythology
In Chinese mythology, the chrysanthemum links to Taoist philosophy. Taoist sages sought to transcend the human existence and achieve eternal life.
Those sages discovered the secrets of the universe and elixir of immortality. They saw the chrysanthemum’s ability to endure and thrive in different conditions. They became a reflection of their own pursuit of immortality.
In Taoist scriptures the chrysanthemum was portrayed as a potent symbol of immortality and spiritual purity. Moreover, it was used as offerings in rituals and ceremonies.
Korean Folklore
In the ancient Korean pantheon the chrysanthemum embodies the divine qualities and attributes of important deities.
Jumong was the legendary founder of the ancient Korean kingdom of Goguryeo. His birth was said to be marked by a chrysanthemum blossom. It symbolised his noble and destined path to become a great ruler.
In Korean art, chrysanthemum were often portrayed with other symbolic elements. For instance, dragons or phoenix to enhance its noble virtues and imperial authority.
Egyptian
In ancient Egyptian mythology, the chrysanthemum flower meaning linked to the Sun God Ra. Ra was the most important diety of the Egyptian pantheon.
The petals of the chrysanthemum embodied the essence of the sun and its life giving energy. Moreover, it was a symbol of divine presences, renewal and solar power.
Ra was portrayed with a falcon head which was an allusion to his association with the heavens. Therefore, the chrysanthemum flower were representative of his brilliance and life affirming qualities.
Furthermore, the flower had uses in rituals and ceremonies directed at the God Ra. There was a beliefs that chrysanthemum would please the gods and invoke their blessings.
The chrysanthemum flower also symbolised rebirth and afterlife in ancient Egyptian funerary practices. This was also a metaphor for the sun’s life giving energy. It would act as beacon of light in journey of the deceased. The chrysanthemum featured in funerary bouquets and placed on graves as a hope for resurrection in the realms of the gods.
Ancient Egyptians believed that the chrysanthemum has healing properties. They used it to treat various ailments and purify the body. This further reinforced its link to the Sun God through vitality and rejuvenation.
The chrysanthemum flower featured abundantly in ancient Egyptian art and hieroglyphics. They featured in temple decorations, paintings of tombs and royal jewelries. It served as a reminder of the connection between the earthly and divine solar realm.
History of the Chrysanthemum flower
The chrysanthemum flower is from the east and it has a rich history and a long cultivation. However, Europe, Asia, and Africa all played a role in the history of chrysanthemum.
Asia
The flower was first produced around 15th century BCE in a city name Ju-Xian which translates to “chrysanthemum city”.
Chrysanthemum flowers arrived in Japan around the 8th century CE. It has since them embedded Japanese culture on various levels.
The highest order of Chivalry is the Order of the Chrysanthemum. National Chrysanthemum day is a designated festival of happiness in Japan.
The emblem of the Japanese Emperor is a single flower chrysanthemum. It is considered as a flower of perfection. The lea
Introduction to Britain
The chrysanthemum flowers arrived in Britain around the end of 18th century. The Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus named the flower Chrysanthemum.
He combined two Greek words: chrysos translates to gold and anthemon translates to flower. The seeds were brought by the East Indian Company. By mid 19th century there were at least 24 varieties of Chrysanthemum.
It was introduced in 1764 by Miller, he received a Kok Fa or Chrysanthemum Indicum. He cultivated the flower in the botanical garden at Chelsea. The Corn Marigold, Ox-eyed Daisy, and the Fever Few are three Chrysanthemum native to England.
In Britain, the chrysanthemum featured in winter parties during the shooting season. Moreover, it was used as a buttonhole flower which added brightness to a jacket. The white chrysanthemum featured in wedding bouquets and it symbolised the bride’s honest and true character.
French Craze
The French developed a craze for the chrysanthemum flower in the 1880s. This was due to a best selling novel entitled Madame Chrysanthème written by Pierre Loti.
The book was an inspiration of his travels and exotic romances. It is in the form of a diary of a French naval officer. His ship would dock at the port of Nagasaki in order to undergo repairs.
While he waited to sail again he entered into a temporary marriage with a geisha called Chrysanthème.
Chrysanthemum flower during Victorian times
In the victorian flower language, chrysanthemum stood for good luck and friendship. Each colour had a unique meaning.
For instance, purple chrysanthemums, a rare colour, was a gift to the sick. The flower’s meaning often traced back to its Chinese roots, symbolising longevity, joy, and elegance.
Their variety in shape, colour, and size made them suitable for various occasions.
Chrysanthemum flower tea benefits
The Chrysanthemum flower tea is very popular and also have various health benefits. Let’s explore some:
- Antioxidant properties: they are rich in antioxidants (flavonoids and phenolic compounds). It aids to protect cells from damage and free the body from radicals.
- Cooling effects: the chrysanthemum tea has cooling properties. It makes a refreshing beverage during hot weather.
- Eye health: the chrysanthemum flower tea helps to alleviate eye strain and soothe tired eyes.
- Stress relief: Chrysanthemum tea is calming and can help with relaxation. This can aid in reducing stress and promote tranquillity.
- Respiratory: In traditional Chinese medicine the chrysanthemum tea can help to alleviate respiratory issues.
- Digestive Aid: it can aid in digestion issues. It is a popular drink after meals.
- Detoxification: it supports the body’s natural detoxification processes, especially the liver and kidneys.
Chrysanthemum flower uses
Chrysanthemums have various uses and purposes in different cultures throughout history. Some of its uses are:
- They have been used in Chinese medicine. It was believed that chrysanthemum tea would aid in cooling and detoxifying the body.
- The chrysanthemum flower was believed to benefit the lungs, liver and the eyes.
- Chrysanthemum is a decorative plant in landscape gardening and floral arrangements.
- It was used in broth to purify the kidneys and blood. Moreover, it was used in lotions.
Chrysanthemum in Art and Literature
Chrysanthemums features in art and literature to express meanings and emotions like devotion, loyalty, joy, sorrow, and longevity.
In Chinese art, chrysanthemums are one of the Four Gentlemen, symbolizing integrity, endurance, and resilience. They relate with poets and scholars in Chinese literature.
Tao Yuanming’s poem “Drinking Wine” is a famous example:
“I built my hut among the people, Yet there is no noise of carriages and horses. You ask me how this is possible: When the heart is distant, one is transported. I pluck chrysanthemums under the eastern hedge, Then gaze long at the distant summer hills. The mountain air is fresh at dusk; Flying birds return in flocks. In these things there lies a great truth, But when I try to express it, I cannot find the words.”
In Japanese art, chrysanthemums symbolize the imperial family and the nation. They feature in literature to depict autumn scenes and life’s transience.
Matsuo Basho’s haiku is a famous example:
“On a withered branch A crow has alighted: Nightfall in autumn.”
In Korean art, chrysanthemums symbolize nobility and elegance. Chrysanthemum in literature express love and admiration.
Kim Kwang-seok’s song “Chrysanthemum Flower” is a famous example:
“Chrysanthemum flower that blooms in the cold You are more beautiful than any other flower Chrysanthemum flower that scatters in the wind You are more fragrant than any other flower Chrysanthemum flower that I love You are more precious than any other flower”
These examples show how chrysanthemums convey different meanings and sentiments in art and literature. They’re not only beautiful but also rich in cultural significance and symbolism.
Conclusion
The chrysanthemum flower has a rich and diverse meaning. It reflects its long history and cultural importance. The chrysanthemum symbolises love, loyalty, happiness, longevity, and joy in many cultures.
Its meaning can vary based on its colour, shape, and variety. The chrysanthemum is not just beautiful, but also useful. It has many medicinal, culinary, and ornamental uses. It’s a popular subject in art and literature, expressing different emotions and sentiments.
What is your favourite chrysanthemum flower meaning? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Thank you for reading this blog.
FAQs
References
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Christie, A. (1996). Chinese Mythology. Hamlyn.
Dalley, S. (2000). Flowers and Herbs of Ancient Egypt. Oxford University Press.
Yoo, Y. S. (2007). The Book of Korean Tea. MyungWon Cultural Foundation.
Bonnet, A. M., & Canepa, T. (Eds.). (2007). Flowers and Society: Essays on the Social History of the Floriography and Flower Art. University of Pennsylvania Press.
Deena Bsingh, a UK-born, Mauritius-raised content writer, is a dedicated explorer of the ancient world’s hidden treasures. Armed with classical studies knowledge and a decade of spiritual immersion, Deena delves deep into the wellspring of ancient wisdom. Her illuminating writings on flower meanings and culinary history are imbued with the profound insights she has gathered on her journey. Through her Medium articles, she guides readers on transformative journeys that bridge the gap between ancient cultures and contemporary consciousness, offering a rich tapestry of understanding that endures through time.
