Chrysanthemum, the autumn rose

Chrysanthemum is a symbol of the Sun. For those two words Japanese use the same symbol, which is pronounced as 'kiku'. Before Japan, historical data note that chrysanthemum was cultivated in China in the 15th century B.C., and even one of the Chinese ancient towns was named Ju-Xian, or 'Chrysanthemum City'. In Japan chrysanthemum appeared much later, some time around the 7th century A.D. and in Europe in 17th century. Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 18th century named this Asian flower ‘Chrysanthemum', meaning 'yellow flower, as the wild flower, primary spices, are yellow, white and pink.

In Japan, Chrysanthemum became the imperial symbol and the most precious flower. The 16-petal chrysanthemum is the imperial crest of Japan, presented in Japanese Seal of Chrysanthemum and the Standard of the Japanese emperor since 19th century. This symbol sometimes even replaces the official state coat of arms on coins, seals and some documents. The most prestigious award in Japan since 1888 is the Supreme Orders of the Chrysanthemum. But for Japanese Chrysanthemum is not only a metal formed Imperial symbol, Japanese really love and appreciate chrysanthemum.

Since the year 831 until today the Festival of Chrysanthemum, or the Holiday of Good Fortune, is organized every year in September, as Chrysanthemum is flourishing for a long time and therefore is symbolizing long and happy life. It is even believed that the dew from a chrysanthemum flower can prolong life, so in former days, every year on the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, guests were invited to the imperial court to drink chrysanthemum wine, listen to he music, enjoy in beautiful chrysanthemums and to create verses in honor of these beautiful flowers.

White chrysanthemums in some European countries, Korea, Japan and China, symbolize death and are grown in cemeteries. In the United States, however, chrysanthemum is regarded as very positive and convivial flower. Some sorts of white and yellow chrysanthemums are used in Asian countries (China, Japan and Korea) as herbal tea ingredient, considered as very medicinal, but also of very pleasant taste and smell.

Chrysanthemum is a rare ingredient in perfumes of the western perfume houses. However, it is very common at the Asian market. Korean scientists in Seoul have managed to, using chromography, to isolate 18 basic fragrant components that constitute scent of Chrysanthemum coronarium sort, the main of which are:
Green apple note,
Green-fruity note,
The note of boiled and fried potato,
Metal-plastic note,
Wax note and cucumber note.

All those notes are composing thin and discrete floral aroma with green nuance which differs from one to another of the 30 sorts of chrysanthemum.

Chrysanthemum is often component in perfumes of Vietnamese cosmetic and perfume company Khoi Nguyen Limited Company. It is added to cosmetic powder and insence sticks. The chrysanthemum scent is also one of the components of the Estee Lauder's exclusive perfume Private Collection.

Author: Elena Knežević (jeca)
Fragrantica Member

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