Kiku – Chrysanthemum – Symbol of Japan

The Chrysanthemum, or Kiku in Japanese, is a symbol that represents longevity and rejuvenation. This flower came to Japan from China around the s. VI as a medicinal plant and it was during the Nara Period (710 – 793 AD) that this flower began to be cultivated. Later, in the 12th century, during the Kamakura period, Emperor Go-Toba adopted the chrysanthemum as the “mon” or emblem of the Imperial Family, and the appreciation and cultivation of this flower gained more popularity around the Edo period (1603-1868). ) moment in which more forms, colors and varieties of this flower began to be created.

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In Japan you can find more than 350 types of the 200,000 varieties that are known in the world. When this flower was adopted as part of the Imperial Family, some clans began to cultivate these flowers to indicate their support and good relationship with the Imperial Family, as well as include the chrysanthemum in their family emblems or kamon 家紋.

The Imperial Emblem of Japan has 16 petals on the front and 16 petals on the back (only the tips of the petals on the back can be seen). There are other emblems with the chrysanthemum but with different numbers of petals, and are usually related to other members of the Imperial Family or Shinto Shrines. Currently, the Japanese Government uses the 16-petal emblem on official documents (passports, mandates, etc.)

The Chrysanthemum is also used as a symbol of the Throne of the Emperor of Japan (皇位) This can also refer to the “Head of State” in monarchies.

There is also the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (大勲位菊花章), which is the highest Japanese Order of Honor bestowed by the Emperor.

We can also find the Chrysanthemum on 50 yen coins and many restaurants use quality chrysanthemums to decorate food or even to prepare dishes with their flowers or their stems and leaves. The chrysanthemum remains a common motif in traditional Japanese arts such as ikebana , decoration on porcelain or traditional containers, and in kimono design. It has also been used as a theme in waka (traditional Japanese poetry) since around the s. X being ” Kokin Wakashū ” the most famous of them.

The chrysanthemum is a symbol of autumn in Japan and around this season, exhibitions and contests are usually held in some towns, where chrysanthemums are exhibited and points such as size, color, smell, composition of the arrangement, etc. are qualified. One of these localities is Odawara in Kanagawa Prefecture . We attended the exhibition and we made this video where we show you the event and talk a little about this beautiful flower.

It is important to note that white chrysanthemums are used in funerals and cemeteries in Japan, so great care must be taken with the meaning of the color of this flower. In contrast, the red chrysanthemum is given to the person you love, or at least feel great affection for. Although during the fall festivals of the chrysanthemum in Japan all colors are appreciated in the same way.

The chrysanthemum is considered an autumn flower , since it begins to bloom in September. In Japan, each month or season has a representative flower, people gather to enjoy the view, and take great care of it in gardens and parks. The cherry blossom is the most representative of Japan, and is considered the spring flower.