In our Western culture, we often associate the chrysanthemum, also known as the “November 1 flower,” with All Saints' Day and the commemoration of the dead. We often use this flower to honor our loved ones and decorate their graves. Do we do this only in the West or is this the case all over the world? What are the specific customs and uses of chrysanthemums in other countries? Let's take a “peek at the neighbors” and discover how the rest of the world appreciates this flower.

Part I – Japan

Today we take a dive into the history, traditions and customs of chrysanthemums in Japan. In Japan, the chrysanthemum, also called “Kiku,” has a completely different meaning and role: it is the symbol of the imperial family.  During the Nara period (710 - 793 AD), the chrysanthemum made its entrance into Japan, where it attracted the attention of the imperial family. They were immediately fascinated and amazed. Over the years, the chrysanthemum grew to become the symbol of the imperial family, laden with meanings of longevity and renewal. According to Japanese lore, even a single petal of this flower, resting at the bottom of a wine glass, could promote life, making it long and healthy.

The chrysanthemum is so important in Japan that the imperial throne is named after it-“the throne of the chrysanthemum”-and an annual festival is held to celebrate the flower.

A fun fact: The word “Kiku” not only refers to the plant itself, but also serves as a verb for “ask,” “listen,” “hear,” or “work. We often see it appear as the first word in Japanese poetry books.

While the chrysanthemum often has a negative connotation in the West, in Japan it is an important symbol! Let's give it a little more recognition here too, what do you think?