Meaning of Chrysanthemums
As one of China's top ten famous flowers, chrysanthemums carry a cultural heritage of three thousand years. This plant, which flourishes in autumn, is not only known for its proud posture against frost but has also evolved multiple cultural images throughout history. From the poems of literati to folk customs, chrysanthemums always play a special symbolic role, with their symbolic system presenting completely different interpretation dimensions in Eastern and Western cultures.
Cultural Symbolism System of Chrysanthemums
Carrier of Reclusive Spirit
Chrysanthemums are known as the "hermit of flowers," a name derived from the classic image of Tao Yuanming "picking chrysanthemums under the篱笆." During the Wei and Jin dynasties, reclusive culture was popular, and the chrysanthemum's solitary blooming in the cold perfectly matched the noble spirit of scholars. The "Chrysanthemum Spectrum" from the Song Dynasty records that there were already 163 varieties of cultivated chrysanthemums at the time, with literati constructing a complete spiritual symbol system through the appreciation and painting of chrysanthemums.
Expression of Philosophy of Life
The tradition of drinking chrysanthemum wine on the Double Ninth Festival can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. The "Xi Jing Za Ji" records "On the ninth day of the ninth month, wear euonymus, eat cattail dumplings, and drink chrysanthemum wine." The combination of chrysanthemums and pine trees in the "Pine and Chrysanthemum Picture" is commonly seen in longevity scenes, symbolizing both "longevity of pine" and echoing the "chrysanthemum has yellow flowers" record in the "Zhou Yi," forming a unique symbol of life praise.
Differences in Cultural Perception
White chrysanthemums present polar interpretations in different cultural contexts: they are seen as a symbol of purity in Japan and used in weddings, while in traditional Chinese culture, they have developed a specific use as "mourning chrysanthemums." This difference originates from the evolution of the spread of Buddhism, with Japan following the tradition of offering white chrysanthemums to Buddha from the Tang Dynasty, while China developed the folk custom of using chrysanthemums for funerals.
Analysis of Chrysanthemum Application Scenarios
Respect for the Elderly Etiquette
Purple chrysanthemums became the exclusive appreciation flowers in the imperial court during the Ming and Qing dynasties and have evolved into a standard gift for the Double Ninth Festival in modern times. It is important to avoid white and yellow single-color bouquets, as traditional beliefs consider pure colors prone to cause misunderstandings. It is recommended to choose colorful varieties like "Sunset Glows" and pair them with evergreen plants to create a "longevity bouquet."
Art of Emotional Expression
Dark red chrysanthemums symbolize passionate love as recorded in the "Lingnan Chrysanthemum Spectrum," while the vague love of yellow daisies originates from the European flora symbolism system. Modern floristry often mixes ping pong chrysanthemums with roses, breaking traditional taboos while retaining Eastern charm, making it a popular choice for new-style declaration bouquets.
Application in Ritual Scenarios
Mourning chrysanthemums adhere to the principle of "unity of form and color." The classic combination of white chrysanthemums with yellow orioles originates from the funeral culture of Shanghai during the Republic of China. Modern designs have evolved to include "chrysanthemum art altars," using different varieties to convey specific mourning thoughts, such as white peacock chrysanthemums symbolizing longing and green chrysanthemums representing the cycle of life.
From the study of literati to modern life scenarios, chrysanthemums always maintain the vitality of cultural symbols. Their symbolic system is constantly reconstructed with the times, both continuing the spiritual core of "preferring to die with fragrance on the branch" and deriving new interpretations in international cultural exchanges. Correctly understanding the cultural code of chrysanthemums is the key to appropriately using this culturally expressive carrier.