At the first hint of autumn we begin to find chrysanthemums appearing everywhere, to be found at florists and in the yards of Arcata California . These quintessential fall flowers herald the arrival of pumpkin patches, scare crows and apple picking harvest time. They come in a wide variety of colors to enhance the season; bright yellow, purple, orange, bronze and burgundy.

Chrysanthemums, or mums for short, historically date back to Eastern Asia. These perennial favorites are members of the Asteraceae family and their name originates from the Greek words for gold (chrysos) and flower(anthemon). Among the Imperial dynasties of China and Japan chrysanthemums signified nobility. Japan’s emperor sat on The Chrysanthemum Throne. In China chrysanthemums were cultivated as a flowering herb and teas were brewed for medicinal purposes.

Chrysanthemums spread throughout Europe and eventually reached America’s shores in the late 1700’s. Today there are numerous varieties of Exhibition type chrysanthemums available year round. Different varieties can look similar to a daisy, a pompom or have a spidery appearance. Some are simple and crisp looking with smooth petals while others are full and lush having toothy edged petals. The blossom sizes range from ½ inch up to 10 inches wide allowing for a wide variety of decorative possibilities. They offer an affordable choice as an added benefit.

Chrysanthemums imply a variety of meanings around the world. In the US, they signify a positive and cheerful attitude. For weddings, their lovely texture of feathery petals add beauty to bouquets designed to include roses, babies breath, ranunculus, ivy, hydrangea or eucalyptus. In Mobile, Alabama in November of 1906, “The Chrysanthemum Wedding” took place at Bellingrath Gardens for Walter and Bessie Bellingrath. Chrysanthemums were placed among palms to classically adorn the parlor, dining room and hallway of the house. The bride carried a simple bouquet of ivory chrysanthemums tied together with white netting.

Chrysanthemums can also symbolize death and can be used to convey a sense of sympathy, compassion and warmth during times of grief. In some cases, they signify that the departed one has lived a full and honorable life. Funeral floral arrangements can take the form of either a standing spray, a floral basket, a wreath, a cross or a heart.

Some fireworks are made to look like huge chrysanthemums bursting into glorious bloom in the sky, leaving behind trails of sparkles. For any occasion, chrysanthemums are sure to dazzle.

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