It’s mums time! In the U.S., chrysanthemums symbolize optimism and joy – which we sure could use more of nowadays. Their long name is derived from the Greek for “gold flowers” because the early ones in Europe were mostly golden yellow. However, these hardy flowers probably are most closely associated with Asia.
Chrysanthemums reportedly originated In China as far back as the 15th century B.C. and are one of the “Four Noble Ones” there (along with plum blossom, orchid and bamboo). In Japan, the Imperial Seal is an abstraction of a golden chrysanthemum and that country celebrates a National Chrysanthemum Day Festival of Happiness every September 9.
(Images taken in Brooklin. Maine, on October 3, 2026.)