Chrysanthemum Meaning: Symbolism, Colors and November's Birth Flower
Few flowers change meaning as much from country to country as the chrysanthemum. In the United States it's a cheerful sign of fall. In Japan it's the symbol of the emperor. In China it stands for long life, and in much of Europe it's the flower people bring to graves. That makes the "mum" one of the most interesting flowers to give, as long as you know who you're giving it to. Here's what chrysanthemums mean, what each color says, and why it's November's birth flower.
What does the chrysanthemum symbolize?
In the United States, the chrysanthemum symbolizes joy, optimism, friendship and loyalty. In Japan it represents honor, longevity and the imperial family, and in China it stands for long life and nobility. In many European countries, including France, Italy, Belgium and Poland, chrysanthemums are associated with remembrance and are placed on graves on All Saints' Day.
Where the name comes from
The name comes from the Greek chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower), since the original chrysanthemums were small and yellow. They were first cultivated in China well over 2,500 years ago, and Chinese growers developed many of the shapes and colors we know today. The flower reached Japan around the 8th century and Europe much later, in the 1700s.
Chrysanthemum meaning around the world
| Country or region | What it means |
|---|---|
| United States | Joy, cheer, friendship, fall celebration |
| Japan | Honor, longevity, the imperial family |
| China | Long life, nobility, resilience |
| France, Italy, Belgium, Poland and much of Europe | Remembrance of the dead |
| Mexico | Remembrance, used on Día de los Muertos altars |
| Australia | Mother's Day ("mum") |
Japan: the imperial flower
In Japan the chrysanthemum, or kiku, is the symbol of the emperor. The imperial seal is a 16-petal chrysanthemum, and the throne itself is called the Chrysanthemum Throne. Japan also celebrates Kiku no Sekku, the Festival of Happiness, on September 9, and holds chrysanthemum exhibitions every fall.
China: long life and nobility
In China the chrysanthemum is one of the "Four Gentlemen" of classical art, along with plum blossom, orchid and bamboo. Because it blooms late in the year, after most flowers have faded, it represents resilience and a long, noble life. Chrysanthemum tea and wine are traditional on the Double Ninth Festival, a day for honoring elders.
Europe and Latin America: remembrance
In France, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Austria and several other European countries, families bring chrysanthemums to cemeteries on All Saints' Day, November 1. Because of that, chrysanthemums are usually not given as a gift in those countries. In Mexico, chrysanthemums join marigolds on Día de los Muertos altars. Read more in our post on Día de los Muertos flowers.
Los Angeles is a mix of all of these traditions, so it's worth a moment's thought about who you're giving chrysanthemums to. For more on how flowers carry different messages across cultures, see the language of love through flowers across cultures.
Chrysanthemum color meanings
- Red: love, passion and deep affection.
- Yellow: joy, friendship and optimism. In Victorian flower language yellow meant "slighted love," but that meaning has mostly faded.
- White: loyalty, honesty and truth. White is also the most common color for remembrance and sympathy. See our guide to white flower symbolism.
- Purple: well wishes and get well soon.
- Pink: affection, gentleness and admiration.
- Burgundy: depth, maturity and lasting love.
- Green: good health, renewal and good fortune.
Chrysanthemum: November's birth flower
The chrysanthemum is the birth flower for November. It fits the month perfectly: it blooms when most other flowers are finished for the year and brings color to late fall. For a November birthday, it represents joy, loyalty and a long, happy life.
If you're catching up on the birth-flower series, read about October's marigold and cosmos, or see every month in our birth month flowers guide.
Types of chrysanthemums you'll see at the florist
- Spider mums: long, thin, curling petals. Dramatic and modern.
- Disbud mums: one large, round bloom per stem. Elegant and full.
- Button mums: small, tight pompoms. Great for filling arrangements.
- Daisy mums: a flat daisy shape with a visible center. Cheerful and casual.
- Cushion mums: the round garden mums you see in pots every fall.
When to give chrysanthemums (and when not to)
Great for: November birthdays, Thanksgiving tables, friendship gifts, get-well wishes (purple), and fall celebrations. Mums are also one of the longest-lasting cut flowers, often two to three weeks in a vase, which makes them good value.
Think twice: for recipients from France, Italy, Belgium, Poland or other countries where mums mean mourning, choose a different flower for a happy occasion. For sympathy, though, white chrysanthemums are a respectful and meaningful choice.
Mums are wonderful on the Thanksgiving table, too. See our Thanksgiving flowers and centerpiece ideas.
Chrysanthemum arrangements at FlowerStop LA
- Mauve & Merlot Signature Bouquet: lavender roses with burgundy spider chrysanthemums.
- Spiced Sunset: coral and orange roses with burgundy dahlias and mums.
For remembrance, our sympathy flowers collection includes white wreaths and sprays. If you'd like an arrangement built around chrysanthemums in a particular color, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What does a chrysanthemum symbolize?
In the US, chrysanthemums symbolize joy, friendship, optimism and loyalty. In Japan they represent honor and the imperial family, in China long life, and in much of Europe they are a flower of remembrance.
What is the birth flower for November?
The chrysanthemum is November's birth flower. It represents joy, loyalty and long life, and blooms in late fall after most other flowers have finished.
Are chrysanthemums a funeral flower?
In many European countries, such as France, Italy, Belgium and Poland, chrysanthemums are mainly used for funerals and graves. In the United States and Asia they are also given for happy occasions. White chrysanthemums are appropriate for sympathy almost everywhere.
What does a yellow chrysanthemum mean?
Today a yellow chrysanthemum means joy, friendship and optimism. In the Victorian language of flowers it meant "slighted love," but that meaning is rarely used now.
How long do cut chrysanthemums last?
Cut chrysanthemums are among the longest-lasting flowers, often staying fresh for two to three weeks. Trim the stems, remove leaves below the waterline and change the water every few days.
The bottom line
The chrysanthemum is a flower with many meanings: joy, honor, long life and remembrance, depending on where you are. In the US, it's a warm, cheerful way to celebrate fall and November birthdays, and it lasts longer than almost any other cut flower. Just know your recipient, choose the color that fits your message, and the mum will say it well.
