The chrysanthemum has the most mixed reputation of any flower. In Japan it is on the imperial seal, in China it means long life, in Australia it is a Mother's Day flower, while in France or Italy it is taken to cemeteries. Here is what the chrysanthemum symbolises in different cultures, what each colour means, and who to give a chrysanthemum bouquet to and when.
More on this topic: the language of flowers, types of chrysanthemums, November birth flower.
The chrysanthemum's main meanings are long life, loyalty, joy and respect. It blooms late in autumn after other flowers have faded, so it stands for resilience and a 'second youth'.
The name comes from the Greek chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower): the first chrysanthemums were yellow.
It is the birth flower of November; see November birth flower.
White: sincerity, purity and truth. Good for weddings; where the chrysanthemum is a remembrance flower, white ones are used for graves.
Yellow: joy, friendship and optimism. In Victorian flower language it meant 'slighted love', but few people remember that today.
Red and burgundy: love and deep affection.
Pink: tenderness, care and gratitude; a good choice for a mother or grandmother.
Purple: get-well wishes and respect.
Green: freshness, luck and new beginnings; often an accent in modern bouquets. See types of chrysanthemums.
Japan: a 16-petal chrysanthemum is the imperial crest and the throne is called the Chrysanthemum Throne. Chrysanthemum Day falls on 9 September; see flower traditions of Japan.
China: one of the Four Gentlemen with plum blossom, orchid and bamboo; a symbol of autumn, wisdom and long life.
France, Belgium, Italy, Poland, Austria: chrysanthemums go on graves on All Saints' Day (1 November), so avoid them as a gift there.
Australia: the 'mum' is the traditional Mother's Day flower.
Ukraine: a favourite autumn flower for teachers, mothers and colleagues; it has no funeral stigma, though it is also taken on remembrance days. Funeral etiquette: funeral flowers.
[фото: японська імператорська печатка з 16-пелюстковою хризантемою]
Teachers, especially on Teachers' Day: the flower stands for wisdom and respect.
Older people and milestone birthdays, as a wish for long life.
Colleagues or a boss: neutral yet festive.
For guests from France, Italy or Poland choose other flowers. A chrysanthemum bouquet lasts 2–3 weeks; see chrysanthemums in a vase.
Chrysanthemums last for weeks: we deliver them fresh across Kyiv with flower food.
See chrysanthemums and flowers in a box.
Usually respect, joy and a wish for long life; the colour refines the message.
Yes, in Ukraine they are a normal festive flower; just avoid them for people from France, Italy or Poland.
Joy and friendship; the Victorian meaning of 'slighted love' is largely forgotten.
It resembles the sun, from which the imperial line is said to descend, and appears on the imperial crest and seal.
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
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