Did you know that those lush, colorful blooms called
chrysanthemums are rooted in beliefs of human immortality and
perfection? Today the "mum" graces gardens, cut flower
arrangements and even salads (yes mums taste great), but they were
taken much more seriously after T'ao Yuan Ming started it all in
China around 500 A.D.
Over long periods of careful cross-pollination and selection,
he developed stunning varieties of the flower and when he died,
his birthplace was renamed Chuhsien. The City of Chrysanthemums.
His efforts had produced a legacy that would bring pleasure to
this world for centuries.
When China imported the first chrysanthemums to Japan, the
people there bestowed many honors upon them. The Japanese wrote
legends. To sip dew from the petals meant long life. To eat the
flower meant immortality. Philosophers said that the systematic
opening of the "ray" flowers symbolized both the sun and
the perfection of orderly life.
By 800 A.D. the chrysanthemum had become so prestigious that
only royal and noble families were permitted to cultivate it.
Among the highest honors that could be bestowed in Japan was
admittance to the Order of the Chrysanthemum... a reward granted
to nobility for service to the Emperor.
In great contrast to this, the "mum" didn't make much
of an impression when traders introduced it to Europe in the
1600s. But when in finally did catch on, it became one of the most
popular blooms for both flower shops and gardens.
Today the mum comes in dozens of varieties. Fuji mums project
rays with curly ends. Spider mums have straight-ended rays.
Starburst mums have forked ends, while spoon-ended mums have a
loop at the end of their rays. China mums are called
"standard" and "football" because of their
large, round heads. Daisy-like mums are called pompons. And those
forming tight little balls are called button pomps.
Whether associated with spoons, forks or footballs, or with
royalty or immortality, "mum" is the word for beautiful
gardens and long-lasting floral arrangements. When you care for
them as cut flowers, try to keep their ancient beauty away from
such modern-day contraptions as air conditioning, TV sets and
heaters. Don't place them in drafts or direct sunlight. Do watch
their water, and replace it when needed. This way, a bouquet of
mums can make your day every day for at least a week, maybe two.
Additional information and resources related to this article
can be found at: http://www.garden-source.com/archives/
2005/05/30/the-rich-history-of-chrysanthemums/
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Network - http://www.garden-source.com
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