Perhaps chrysanthemum is one of the most beloved flowers in Russia. Interestingly, the culture of growing chrysanthemums dates back more than 3,000 years and originates in ancient China. Translated from Greek, “Chrysanthemum” means “Golden Flower,” which, according to botanists, most accurately describes the ancient species of this plant - small and golden yellow.
The variety of modern chrysanthemums can turn your head. Each color is a separate message, carrying its own special meaning. To teach you this beautiful floral dialect, we will look at the meaning of each shade and also tell you what occasions it is best suited for.
What does the flower symbolize?
According to Eastern legend, chrysanthemums were born thanks to the dragon. He, trying to steal the sun from people, grabbed it in his paws. But the heavenly body severely burned the beast, and it tore it into pieces. Each of them became a beautiful flower. The legend speaks of the victory of good over evil. This fact indicates one of the meanings of the plant.
In the old days, only yellow chrysanthemums were grown. Translated from ancient Greek, they are called golden-flowered. Since the 12th century, they have been cultivated in Japan and personified power. Today the plant in this country symbolizes longevity.
The meaning of flowers differs in different countries.
- In Italy and France, such bouquets are presented at funeral ceremonies. Because of this, many people have a prejudiced attitude towards the gift.
- In China, plants are used as a component of Feng Shui compositions. They are complemented with pine and bamboo to attract a strong flow of Yang energy. The Chinese believe that this combination will bring good luck and wealth.
- In Russia, flowers are given to men and women for different occasions. Various types are popular.
The meaning of chrysanthemums in different countries
In the West
While chrysanthemums symbolize a sea of positive emotions, learning is another (perhaps not so pleasant) meaning of the flower in the West. This makes chrysanthemums an excellent gift to congratulate a new school year, remarkable academic achievements, or the start of a new project. In addition, chrysanthemums are the official flower of Mother's Day in Australia.
However, in some parts of Europe the flower symbolizes death, and is used exclusively at funerals. Therefore, be careful when sending such a bouquet to Europe as a romantic or holiday gift.
In the East
Chrysanthemums were first grown in China, and, of course, Eastern culture endowed them with deep symbolism. Flowers are believed to signify long life and prosperity, as well as rebirth, making them a popular gift for birthdays or the birth of a baby. In addition, in Japan, the chrysanthemum is an imperial flower that symbolizes the highest power and is the official emblem of the country.
What does yellow mean?
Chrysanthemum of sunny colors is called the queen of autumn. The hue is associated with positive emotions: optimism and joy. Represents power and nobility, as well as sincerity and openness. It has the ability to attract good luck and develop creative abilities.
Yellow flowers should be presented as a gift, the meaning of which will be as follows:
- declaration of love - chrysanthemums are often given when proposing marriage;
- promise of devotion in friendship;
- wishes for prosperity and good luck in business, if the occasion is official;
- thanks for your assistance.
In the East, chrysanthemum is considered a source of energy. Its extract is added to cosmetics. The bouquet is assessed as a wish for long life.
According to etiquette, yellow chrysanthemums can be given to a man. Twigs are often included in a composition intended for representatives of the stronger sex.
Popular beliefs
Chrysanthemum is considered a symbol of love, devotion, fidelity, sensuality and trust of romantic partners. This flower expresses attention.
There are several folk signs and superstitions associated with Chrysanthemums:
- Flowers will help people planning to travel. You need to take a few petals with you, then the road will be safe.
- A Chrysanthemum pendant, smeared with a small amount of vanilla oil, attracts wealth into a person’s life.
- In order for life to be long and healthy, you need to drink wine with a flower petal at the bottom. If your partner has tried the drink, you should wipe his lips with the second petal. Relationships will be filled with tenderness and passion.
- Wearing a Chrysanthemum wrapped in a napkin promotes the emergence of new acquaintances.
- A woven beaded decoration or embroidery of a plant on clothing takes away illnesses from family members; Mother Nature herself protects them.
- If you give a bouquet of Chrysanthemums or a houseplant to a family with discord, the spouses and children will make peace and find peace of mind.
- It is believed that the best time to cut flowers is September 9th. It is on this day that they are filled with maximum energy.
What is the difference between white chrysanthemums?
Light shades are a symbol of purity. White chrysanthemums are given for the following purposes:
- to emphasize the sincerity and honesty of your intentions;
- express deep respect and devotion to another person;
- highlight the high moral qualities of the one who receives the gift.
The bouquet can be given to everyone, regardless of age and gender. White flowers are also used for various occasions: birthdays, weddings, declarations of love, etc.
Why do you dream?
In most cases, dreams with Chrysanthemums predict good events:
- White varieties - failures will end soon.
- Multi-colored plants - joyful events, success and pleasant chores are coming.
- Walking around the garden means gaining new strength for work.
But there are also bad interpretations:
- Cutting white Chrysanthemums means facing losses and disappointments.
- Caring for plants is creating problems for yourself.
- Selling them means creating problems for loved ones.
- Seeing a bouquet means you should slow down your ambitions, otherwise they will do harm.
Interpretation of other shades
Chrysanthemums have many varieties. Each type and, accordingly, color has its own meaning.
- Red and its shades indicate the feelings of the giver, his love and affection. It is better if the gift is intended for a loved one: a significant other, a relative with whom the relationship is close. The color also hints at the attractive appearance of the gift recipient. Older women are presented with bright red and burgundy flowers.
- Pink, pale lilac, and other light shades are often chosen for young ladies and little girls. Chrysanthemums of such colors will hint at interest in a person and the emergence of feelings for her, so they are well suited for the candy-bouquet period.
- Blue and lilac colors highlight the uniqueness of a person. Suitable as a gift for creative people.
Where is the best place to put it?
- It is better to place chrysanthemums in a children's room, bedroom or office. The brain will start working faster, intuition and erudition will be activated.
- The location on the windowsill helps the residents of these rooms to improve their physical health and their emotional state to become stable.
- If you place the red single-headed variety in eastern rooms, single people will finally be lucky in love.
- A white bouquet of bush varieties should be placed in the north-eastern part of the home. This increases savings and increases wealth.
Chrysanthemum in the house not only looks beautiful, but also returns harmony and feelings to relationships, attracts good luck and wealth. This plant is not dangerous, so it is recommended for everyone to have it.
Special gift details
The number of flowers in a bouquet matters. If only one chrysanthemum is presented, then this speaks of the uniqueness of the person who receives it. Three flowers in a composition do not have much meaning. Five branches of culture will help express a feeling of gratitude. It is better to give your beloved girl seven chrysanthemums. This number speaks of the strong affection of the gift giver.
Flowers growing in a pot will indicate the seriousness of a person’s intentions regarding the person to whom they are intended. Such chrysanthemums are stored for a long time and will constantly remind you of the person who presented them.
If you have any doubts about which bouquet to choose, it is better to contact a florist.
Symbolism of flowers in Europe
Later, the language of flowers spread to Europe thanks to the notes of some travelers. Aubrey de la Mottray, who visited Turkey at the court of the Swedish king, and Mary Wortley, who was the wife of the British ambassador in Istanbul, told their compatriots about him. The latter described the secret language of love letters in her letters to her homeland, which were published after her death. These letters made her famous.
Once upon a time, young girls and married ladies enthusiastically counted the number of petals of each flower in a bouquet, looking for the secret meaning in this number. Today, the language of flowers is almost forgotten, but we still consider the red rose to be a symbol of love, and yellow tulips to be the harbingers of separation. Why do you give yellow chrysanthemums? And what do they symbolize?
Types and description of chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums belong to the Astrov family. These flowers are annual and perennial. Today there are more than 150 species of these plants. Based on external features, they are usually divided into:
Most often these are bushy plants. The height of the bushes can vary from 0.5 to 1.5 meters. Most species grow naturally in Asia, Africa and warm European countries.
The leaves of chrysanthemums have jagged edges, a simple or dissected shape, and some species are characterized by pubescence. Their color is predominantly light green. Flowers come in the form of baskets and more complex double inflorescences. Varieties with completely different petal colors have been bred. Chrysanthemums are white, yellow, lilac, blue, purple, pink.
How did it happen that chrysanthemums acquired meaning?
It is believed that the “language of flowers” - selam - originated in ancient times in the countries of Western Asia. With its help, women of the East could convey their emotions and experiences . At the beginning of the 18th century, the exotic custom spread to European countries, and then was adopted in Russia.
Indoor chrysanthemums
Species and their shades were given certain meanings. Initially, plants were endowed with properties caused by associations and personal emotions, later they were consolidated by tradition . Different plants grew in each area, there were national and class characteristics, so the flower alphabet was somewhat different. Selam attracted poets and artists of the Romantic era; by the end of the 19th century, the fascination with “flower” messages had passed.
Interest in the “language of flowers” was revived several decades ago, and modern villages have been enriched with new meanings.
Despite the huge variety of crops, the plant occupies a special place; it is called the “queen of autumn”. Ancient China and Japan are considered its homeland . For a long time they were available only to royalty. They symbolized power, wealth, nobility.
In the Land of the Rising Sun, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of the state. For many centuries, a stylized image of a 16-petalled yellow plant has been the imperial seal and state emblem. The color of this symbol is orange or yellow - “golden”: this is the color of the first known chrysanthemums, the name of which comes from the Latin “golden-flowered”.
Luxurious spectacular views amaze with a variety of shapes:
- Bush , with small simple or double inflorescences;
- Bright balls ;
- Large inflorescences – simple or semi-double “daisies”, flat or voluminous, needle-shaped or peony-shaped.
Bush chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums with large inflorescences
Chrysanthemums spherical
In addition to traditional yellow, white, pink and red chrysanthemums, today varieties with fancy colors, unusual lilac, green and blue have been developed.
How to make a fragrant and fluffy bouquet of chrysanthemums yourself?
If you are going to make a bouquet of chrysanthemums with your own hands, take advantage of master classes on the Internet. Creating the simplest composition involves the following steps:
- take three sprigs of a flower, a couple of sprigs of ficus, a branch of bird cherry, a branch of gypsophila and three sprigs of fern;
- use a basket, vase or other container;
- if you intend to use a basket, take a piece of floral sponge;
- put a piece of sponge in water, wrap the back side with cling film, place it on the bottom of the basket;
- secure everything with double-sided tape.
You need to start forming a bouquet with a fern. We cut it so that each branch is approximately the same length. With their help, the basic parameters of the bouquet will be set - height, girth and volume. Inside the circle formed from fern leaves, the rest of the ornamental plants are installed. Their length should be slightly shorter. The height of chrysanthemum branches should be even smaller. After the main parameter is selected, you need to cut the stems diagonally and pick off the leaves. Now you need to insert all the flowers symmetrically into the oasis. You can diversify the bouquet with other flowers, for example, roses of a radically opposite color to chrysanthemums.
Chrysanthemum flower and legends about it
One of the most common legends is the legend about the Emperor of China and the Chrysanthemum:
One day, the cruel Emperor of China found out about a plant called Chrysanthemum. He learned that the juice of the flower could give vitality and longevity. But it grows somewhere on a desert island in unknown waters. The emperor decided to contact a healer to find out where to find the unusual plant. The elder warned the bishop that there is one rule here. This magical flower could only be picked by a kind person with a pure heart. Otherwise, the plant juice will simply be useless. And so, by decision, the emperor sent three hundred young men and women to search for an unknown island where this flower grows. But none of them returned, so it is unknown whether they found Chrysanthemum or not. It is still believed that young boys and girls found a mysterious island, decided to stay on it and created their own country in those parts. This is how Japan appeared.
Short description
Today chrysanthemums are in great demand. They are not only presented in a gift bouquet, but also used for other purposes. This is how they make ekibans from it, which can be used to decorate the interior. A tincture is made from chrysanthemum, which tones the body and normalizes blood pressure.
Based on their appearance, there are several types of these flowers:
- spherical bush, it has early and late flowering;
- lush bushes, their height is up to 40 cm, and their diameter is up to 80 cm;
- small-flowered, they are unpretentious in care;
- large-flowered, they can be planted at home in a pot or in the garden, thermophilic.
Pink chrysanthemums are a symbol of youth and beauty
Blue chrysanthemums as a gift
The blue color is an achievement of breeders, and therefore has only a modern interpretation.
Like other exotic colors, it symbolizes originality and the bright individuality of the person to whom such flowers are given . They emphasize his special position in the life of the giver. Gifted to male colleagues, partners, friends.
If you want to emphasize the wisdom of your chosen one, your wife, then buy blue chrysanthemums
Another meaning of blue is wishing success in service . They are presented when seeing off military personnel, as a sign of fidelity during a long separation.
Chrysanthemum is a flower of joy, a symbol of the sun. Focusing on the beautiful romantic “language of flowers”, you can express your innermost feelings and attitudes . It is important to show imagination, attention, your emotions and preferences of the person for whom the bouquet is intended. It is not necessary to follow stereotypes; you can create new images. The main thing is sincerity and creativity.
Chrysanthemum flower and its magical properties
Speaking about the magical properties of chrysanthemum, it is worth noting that it gives a person youth, happiness and peace, and can also help realize our wildest plans and dreams. You should ask this flower to make your dream come true and it will make everything you desire come true.
Chrysanthemum is a flower whose petals protect travelers on their journey.
If you put chrysanthemum petals at the bottom of a glass of wine, you will live happily ever after.
A small ritual guarantees eternal love. Wipe your loved one’s lips with chrysanthemum after drinking wine and then your soulmate will always be devoted and faithful to you.
In the ancient Chinese teachings of Feng Shui, it is believed that this flower can help a person find a balance of mind and feelings. It also guarantees mutual love between partners. It also helps women become more feminine and men become more masculine.
Moreover, chrysanthemums help you become more confident in yourself and your abilities.
In Ancient China, it was believed that this flower could prolong a person’s life.
And in order to make new acquaintances in your life, you need to wrap the chrysanthemum in a napkin and carry it with you in your pocket all the time.
During a romantic date with your loved one, pour sake into two cups and sprinkle chrysanthemum petals into them. After that, take one sip and exchange cups. This action helps prevent problems in the couple.
Who can you give red chrysanthemums to?
Red, carmine, burgundy, wine shades are chosen if they want to communicate passionate love and affection . Emphasize the grace and beauty of the recipient. These flowers are used to make monochrome bouquets, or used as an accent in complex compositions.
The red color of chrysanthemums indicates love
They give red types to lovers, relatives, close and dear people.
Dark types are not recommended for aging women.
Are stereotypes important when choosing a floral composition?
One of the most popular gifts is a bouquet of flowers. Floral compositions are given for any special occasion and just like that - for no reason. Many people pay special attention to stereotypes and norms once accepted by some unknown people. However, is this really correct?
Initially, the chrysanthemum was a yellow flower, but today biologists have developed a huge number of varieties of this flower, among which you can find plants with large heads and small bush chrysanthemums, and there is no need to talk about the number of colors - there are several dozen of them. Today in florist shops you can buy a bouquet of chrysanthemums in black, purple, green and other most unusual flowers.
Modern compositions, invented and brought to life by designers, are works of art, each of which is simply unique and carries a special meaning. Eliminate flowers of mourning tones and symbols from your possible choice and feel free to buy exactly the bouquet that you like. Step away from stereotypes and trust your taste.
A bouquet of chrysanthemums is ideal for many events: birthday, date, wedding, anniversary, ceremonial rituals. The discreet charm of this allows florists to create very elegant single or mixed arrangements.
Give a bouquet of white or cream small chrysanthemums to the bride. For a young girl entering a new life, it will be more appropriate than traditional compositions with roses. Buy a bouquet of large-flowered chrysanthemums for your wife as a sign of tenderness and love. Choose flowers in deep cherry, wine red or burgundy shades for a mature woman in a high, respected position.
