Celebrating Chrysanthemum Flowers

As we begin our journey looking at celebrations, festivals and events around the world, where better place to start than the home of tea itself, China.

The Four Gentlemen

Since the time of the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279) Chrysanthemum flowers have been depicted in Chinese Art to represent the refined beauty known as The Four Gentlemen or the Four Noble Ones. Using traditional ink and wash painting, these wonderful displays of art show Chrysanthemums along with the Orchid, the Bamboo and the Plum Blossom representing the four seasons throughout the year. Chrysanthemum flowers represent the autumn.

Royal approval in Japan

Should you be fortunate enough to be honoured in the highest esteem, the Japanese Emperor may bestow upon you the highest knighthood known as the "Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum". Apart from such royal approvals, chrysanthemum flowers are also seen by the Japanese as a symbol of long life and happiness and celebrated with the 'Festival of Chrysanthemum', the very last of the Five Major Festivals. Although this celebration is not a national holiday today, in past years on September 9th, Chouyou no Sekku (also known as Kiku no Sekku) would be celebrated with great displays of chrysanthemums and people would dress up in vibrant colours or wear something with a chrysanthemum motif.

An inspiring, medicinal brew!

Though primarily seen as a medicinal plant for conditions such as drunkenness, nervous disabilities or to help a person cool down, chrysanthemum flowers are often brewed to make a 'tea' and indeed was often enjoyed by the normally retiring court ladies who on the day of the festival would leave their quarters, admire the wonderful display of flowers, drink chrysanthemum tea and feel inspired to write poetry whilst they enjoyed the festivities.