Chrysanthemums Flowers

Description

Chrysanthemums Flowers

Chrysanthemums, sometimes called mums or chrysanths, are flowering plants of the genus Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae. They are native to East Asia and northeastern Europe. Most species originate from East Asia and the center of diversity is in China. Countless horticultural varieties and cultivars exist.

Although beloved by florists for its beautiful appearance, the chrysanthemum is famous for far more than its elegant looks. In Asia, where the flower originates from, it is considered a herb with powerful medicinal properties. We delved into the backstory of this bouquet favourite to find out more.

There are many powerful rituals surrounding the chrysanthemum. In Asia, the chrysanthemum is the symbol of a long and happy life. As part of this superstition, chrysanthemum wine is drunk in China on the ninth day of the ninth month for peace, health and old age.

The chrysanthemum also has a powerful meaning in Greek superstition. There, the flower is seen as a protector against evil spirits. This is the reason you’ll often see the flowers in graveyards — but don’t be persuaded into picking them. Tradition dictates that graveside chrysanthemums give bring bad luck, headaches and even nightmares.

Lastly, there is a superstition that you may be familiar with: the fortune-telling power of Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, also known as the daisy. The game of pulling petals off the flower head one by one whilst chanting ‘He loves me, he loves me not…’ has its origins in old soothsaying rituals that made use of the flower.

Armed with the backstory of this powerful flower, perhaps you’ll view your next bunch of chrysanthemums in a new light.