Chrysanthemum

lat. Genus: Chrysanthemum

Group: Flowers

Odor profile: dusty, soft, slightly musty note with green facets, prized in the Far East

The patter of the rain;
The gurgling water-brooks all day
Autumn awake again.
Wakiu

Chrysanthemums, pure white,
Are like moonbeams caught within
The frosted dew at night.
Ranko

There are more than ten thousand varieties of chrysanthemums in the world. Latin Chrysanthemum came from Greek χρῡσανθής, «Golden flower»; annual and perennial plants from the Aster family. It's really hard to tell exactly when people started to grow them, but archeologists find this flower on ancient coins, porcelain and ceramic teapots pitchers and dishes, on building ornaments, etc.

Chrysanthemum came to Europe in the 17th century. The French think they were the first who had the pleasure of seeing this beautiful oriental flower, but the British say their country was officially the first. Only 100 years later, European horticulturists decided to grow it in their gardens and breed new varieties.

The flower came from the east-- China, Japan, Korea, etc. In China the ninth month is named after Chrysanthemum and the ninth day of the ninth month is a big holiday. People believe the flower is a symbol of loyalty. That's why Chinese women like to arrange their hair and houses with mum flowers on this day.

There is a beautiful legend about the origins of Japan. Once upon a time there was a cruel emperor. He was told that there was a magical flower growing on the neighbouring island. “If you make a tincture with it, it will become a life elixir. But only with one condition-- the flower should be touched only by the people with pure hearts and kind intentions. So he sent dozens of young people with beautiful souls who never came back to the cruel emperor.” This island became Japan.

On the Chrysanthemum Day (which Japanese people have celebrated for hundreds of years) they sing songs, read poetry and make arrangements with flower garlands. According to the old moon calendar, October is chrysanthemum month. The name of the flower is "Kiku" witch means "Sun" in Japanese. That’s why the most beautiful women are called "Okiku-san," showing the delicacy of the flower and at the same time the glory of sunshine.

While admiring the beauty and the perfection of the chrysanthemum you can also use it for culinary and medical purposes. Flower-based chrysanthemum tea is the most popular in East Asia. To prepare the tea, chrysanthemum flowers (usually dried) are steeped in hot water. The resulting drink is transparent and ranges from pale to bright yellow in color, with a floral green aroma. Unlike the other herbal teas I make, this one I usually buy in the oriental supermarket. Chrysanthemum tea has many purported medicinal uses, including aiding in recovery from influenza, acne and as a "cooling" herb. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the tea can aid in the prevention of sore throats and promote the reduction of fever. Also it's used to treat the eyes, and is said to clear the liver and the eyes.

In Korea, it is well-known for making people more alert and they often use it to awaken themselves. In western herbal medicine, Chrysanthemum tea is drunk and used as a compress to treat circulatory disorders such as varicose veins and atherosclerosis.

This beautiful ornamental flower is the last flower of the year. Its charm is autumn-y cold, fragile, elegant. Chrysanthemums are almost perfect. They are my favourite after Dahlias (probably the subject of my next article). When Nature is having the luck of the colorful life, chrysanthemums brighten up everything with their golden light! Despite their delicacy, they are very easy for outside gardening as well as for home flower arranging. Cut flowers can survive up to one month in a vase. I love chrysanthemums! And its green unique fragrance is just divine!

Here are some beautiful lyrics and songs for you to enjoy!
Happy Autumn!
Yours Olga Ikebanova

Chrysanthemum Song by Amber Rubarth