By Kent Masterson
Few more days are left before we enter the 11th month of the year. November always enter with a very busy day for all of us. Numerous activities such as the ‘Day of the Dead’ are celebrated with much attention such that it has become a festival in other countries. November is also a month when our friends, family members, or relatives might be celebrating their birthdays. Thus, this early it is a good idea for you to know the birth flower you could include in your flower gifts to them.
Chrysanthemum: The Birth Flower for November
Known by other names such as mums and chrysanths, the chrysanthemums are members of the family Asteraceae. They are native to Asia and certain parts of Europe. Hybridization and floriculture brought the flowers to other parts of the world where they are highly propagated for their aesthetic and ornamental values.
The name of chrysanthemum originates from two Greek words ‘chrysos’ meaning gold and ‘anthos’ meaning flower. Chrysanthemum is thus referring to golden flower. The name was appropriately used due to most members bearing yellow or golden flowers. This is despite the fact that some chrysanthemums bear flowers of white and red.
Chrysanthemums are mainly associated to meanings of compassion, friendship, and secret love. The modern times dictate that the mums are more of friendship flowers. Thus, they are ideally given to dear persons without any romantic shades exhibited.
The meanings of chrysanthemums slightly differ depending on the location or the country it is used. In most Asian countries where these flowers are native, they mainly symbolise friendship and hope. In Japan, it is adopted as the official seal of the Emperor. It is also proclaimed as their national flower. They even dedicated a festival called ‘Festival of Happiness’ to celebrate the beauty of chrysanthemums.
In most Western countries, it symbolises death. Thus, they are usually used as offerings to the dead people. It is an ordinary inclusion in flower arrangements used as garlands and wreaths during funerals. Nonetheless, mums are still mainly used as birthday presents. Most florists just alter the arrangements with the inclusion of other flowers such as roses, carnations, and tulips.
Chrysanthemum is not only grown due to its ornamental uses. In China, where it is said to have originated, it has long been propagated due to its medicinal values. It has antiseptic and antibiotic properties. Ancient Chinese used chrysanthemum for the treatment of high blood pressure and angina.
The wide uses of chrysanthemums are attributed to its culinary, insecticidal, and medicinal uses. But its economic importance is still mainly attributed to its ornamental and decorative properties. The bright and sparkling colours of its petals make mums as perfect flower gifts during birthdays.
If one of your friends or a loved one is celebrating his or her birthday this November, then flower arrangements made of chrysanthemums will surely brighten up their day. Just remember to consider their country of origin so as not to impart a wrong connotation of the message you want to convey. It is advised that you mix chrysanthemums with other flowers when they are given to persons with Western beliefs.
In Thailand, chrysanthemums are also widely propagated. Thus, you would not find much difficulty at all if you would want to present them as gifts to dear persons who are celebrating their birthdays this November. You could even request them through online florists and have them delivered at the doorsteps of your loved ones anywhere they might be in Thailand.
This article was originally published at http://thailandflowersgifts.com/2011/10/28/chrysanthemum-the-birth-flower-for-november.
About the Author: Kent Masterson is a seasoned retail and
online florist
with extensive knowledge of Oriental and Western flower arrangements. His keen eye for elegant floral arts as well as his excellent tips and ideas can be found at his blog.
Source:
isnare.com
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