Did you know the flower, placed as offerings to Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali?
New Delhi: Chrysanthemums, sometimes called mums or chrysanths, are flowering plants of the genus Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae. They are native to East Asia and northeastern Europe. Most species originate from East Asia and the center of diversity is in China. Countless horticultural varieties and cultivars exist.
Throughout history, Chrysanthemums have been a symbol of love, life, and rebirth. They are often gifted at baby showers and birthdays and are placed as offerings to the Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali Puja in Hindu culture.
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Its scientific name is Chrysanthemum and it belongs to the asteraceae family and asteroideae subfamily with anthemideae tribe. The Hindi name guldaudi (meaning flower of Daud) suggests that it must have been grown during the Moghul period in this country. Chrysanthemum is versatile; it can be planted in the bed, cultured in the pot, used for garland making and also as cut-flower for flower arrangement.
A flower you’ll see everywhere come fall, chrysanthemums may bring you luck in more than one way. “In Chinese culture, the chrysanthemum is offered to elders as a symbol of longevity and good luck,” Enfield says. Gold chrysanthemums may be especially auspicious, as they are said to represent wealth and prosperity.
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It’s also considered as a flower for the superstitious. In Asia, the chrysanthemum is the symbol of a long and happy life. As part of this superstition, chrysanthemum wine is drunk in China on the ninth day of the ninth month for peace, health and old age. The chrysanthemum also has a powerful meaning in Greek superstition.
Indian chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum) is a flowering plant species that blooms from summer to fall. Indian chrysanthemum must be grown outside under sunlight with moist soil.
Pink chrysanthemums can also signify honour and love, great if you want to send a message to let someone know you care and appreciate them. Red chrysanthemums – Like all things red, this colour of chrysanthemum is believed to represent love and passion.
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