3 Halloween Party Ideas for Spine-Chilling Good Times

Halloween is not just fall’s ghoulish holiday for floral autumn decorating, jack-o’-lantern carving and pumpkin-flavoredeverything. It’s also an especially spook-tacular occasion to gather with friends and family. Get into the spirit of Halloween and put your expert party planning skills into action with these hauntingly fun Halloween party ideas. Use our exclusive FTD coupon code and promo codes to find fresh flowers, original gift baskets, and lush greenery for any occasion at a great value.

Kiddos Halloween Party Ideas

For many parents, it doesn’t have to be Halloween to see their kids as miniature monsters or little devils (actually disguised as tiny humans). But Halloween is an especially great time of year for kids to let loose in their natural element — be mini-sized monsters who crazily run around on an excess sugar high. (Okay, chocolate-covered cake pops and Mummy Halloween Twinkie Pops are for moms and dads too.) Give kids a ghostly good time with a Halloween party and these fun activities

and treats:

• Haunted House: Paint a few large boxes midnight black and inside-out with chalkboard paint. Cut two flaps on one side to create doors for the cardboard haunted house. Kids can use colored chalk to decorate the haunted house with spooky ghosts and mischievous jack-o’-lanterns.
• Ghosts on a Rope Game: Thread jumbo-sized marshmallows on kitchen twine with room in between each and hang the string in a doorway. Each child will each eat a marshmallow as fast as they can with their hands held behind their back. The first one to make their “ghost” disappear wins.
• Face Painting: Paint spider webs, spiders, jack-o’-lanterns or ghosts on kids’ cheeks to get them in (evil) holidays spirits.
• Guess the Gross: Put wet, cold spaghetti, grapes and candy corn into individual bowls and decorated paper bags. The bravest kids reach inside the each bag to guess what’s inside. Kids will be grossed out when they realize they’re touching worms, eyeballs and zombie teeth.
• Spooky Snacks: Serve spider or crescent mummy dogs as festive Halloween fare. As a fruity side, take individually packaged mandarin orange cups and use a black sharpie marker to make a jack-o’-lantern face on top. You can also fill a rubber glove with water and freeze to make an iced hand. Then use the creepy iced hand to keep Halloween punch refreshingly cool.

Murder Mystery Dinner

Hosting a Clue-inspired murder mystery dinner adds a unique, mysterious twist to a typical Halloween-themed soiree. Instead of Halloween costumes, guests attend your party dressed as their characters. (Characters can be based on movie stars or celebrities, for example.) Punchbowl.com explains that each guest is considered a suspect of a murder and the group tries to solve the crime using clues. The number of guests should match the number of rooms you have (including shared spaces like the kitchen and living areas) and the number of characters and weapons should be the same as well.

The Game: Divide the game into rounds. Clues in envelopes unfolding the mystery will be distributed to each suspect during each round. Distribute the first round of clues over Halloween-esque cocktails (i.e. blood orange margaritas and mulled red wine are a favorite!). A certain guest will also learn that he or she is the murderer during round one and secretly try to frame someone else. Then start the second round during appetizers (think pumpkin cheese ball with crackers or spider deviled eggs). Each clue contains one to reveal (share with another person) and one to conceal (keep to yourself). After dinner everyone will receive a final round of clues and guess who the murderer is. Finally, reveal the murderer over mouthwatering dessert like sea salt caramel milk chocolate-covered strawberries or candy-cookie cheesecake.

Spooky Boozy Bash

Halloween is not just for costumed trick-or-treaters to stock up on a year’s worth of candy. Adults can regale and celebrate too. Sure, libations aren’t necessarily the theme of this Halloween revelry, but festive, eerie cocktails and fancy Halloween beverages are a delicious way to get the festivities started. First, you have your fall favorite beers and ales. Cheers to Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale, Dogfish Head Punkin Ale and Southern Tier Pumking! Then everyone can sip on tasty Halloween drinks made from the following great recipes:

• Black widow martini
• Pumpkin spiced latte
• Ashes to Ashes chocolate espresso cocktail
• Spicy and fruity Witches Brew
• Candy corn-infused vodka martini

You can even turn traditional drinks into creepy cocktails with decorative accents like:

• Orange food color
• Black rim sugar
• Creepy-crawly black licorice strings
• Black and orange sprinkles
• Bloody teeth pomegranate seeds

Now to get the party started, play Halloween games like sugary Doughnuts on a String or harvest-themed Squash Bowling. And of course, don’t forget the costume contest—the scariest and most creative costumes win.

Wedding Flower Types by Season & Ftd coupon code where to enter

December is one of the most common months for couples to get engaged, so what does that mean for January? The wedding planning begins! If you and your partner are newly betrothed, you have a lot of fun and exciting details to work out, starting with the date. If either of you have any strong opinions on the florals you'd like for your wedding arrangements, that could determine when you should be planning your big day. While many flowers can be found year-round, choosing ones that are in season will likely be cheaper and ensure fresh and vibrant bouquets and centerpieces. Here's a breakdown of the most popular wedding flowers by what season they're available:

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Spring and Summer
Most spring and summer weddings are full of beautiful florals, since it's the time of year when many flowers are in season. Take a look at these popular wedding flowers available during the warmer seasons:

• Cherry Blossoms: Cherry blossoms are stunning flowers often found in Japanese gardens. They're known for having a soft pink color and are even considered a symbol of spring. They're hugely popular for spring weddings, and many brides even incorporate them into their wedding cakes and other decor.
• Peonies: Peonies are known for being large and vibrantly colored, which is why couples love using them in their wedding arrangements.
• Tulips: Tulips are also known for their vivid colors, and are perfect for use in a bouquet due to their longer stems and trumpet-shaped bulbs. Tulips are also available in late winter. 

Fall and Winter
Fall and winter weddings have recently become even more popular than they once were. If you're looking to tie the knot during the cooler months, here are some of the flowers that will be in season:

• Dahlias: Dahlias, which are in season beginning in late summer and are available throughout fall, are most often found in hues of red, orange, yellow and purple. The colorful florals look beautiful in fall wedding arrangements.
• Queen Ann's Lace: The small delicate white blooms of Queen Ann's lace make them very trendy for couples to use as a filler for their bouquets and table arrangements. The small flowers look dainty and charming. 
• Gardenias: Gardenias are most often found in a soft ivory color, which is why they're so commonly used in winter wedding bouquets. 

All Year
Many classically popular wedding flowers are available all year, which makes it easier for couples who love them to set a date. Take a look at these flowers that are available no matter the season:

• Roses: Roses are perhaps the most popular wedding flower of all time. Though they come in many colors, the two you'll see most at weddings are classic red and romantic white. 
• Carnations: Carnations are thought to symbolize admiration and pure love, which complements the sentiment behind weddings perfectly. These flowers come in a huge variety of colors, and are found often in bridal arrangements. 
• Gerberas: Commonly found in shades of yellow, red and orange, gerberas are very popular for fall weddings, but they're actually available year-round. These flowers, which symbolize friendship, look beautiful in mixed arrangements and on their own.
• Daisies: Lovely white daisies bring to mind childhood and innocence, and they also symbolize sentimentality. These charming flowers are in season all year, and are pretty affordable compared to some of the other popular wedding flowers. 
• Hydrangeas: Hydrangeas are one of the most unique-looking flowers due to their multi-bloomed voluminous heads. It's common to see hydrangeas in shades of pink, purple and blue, though white hydrangeas are very popular in winter weddings. These flowers are thought to represent devotion, making them a romantic choice for engaged couples. 

FTD's Blog: About Our Flowers

SUNFLOWERS

Helianthus annuus

Bud Stage

Bloom Stage

Adored for their bright yellow coloring, sunflowers exude a happy energy that we all find irresistible. Native to North America and grown today at farms in California, Ecuador, Colombia, Michigan, and Florida, sunflowers are one of the fastest growing plants, able to reach heights of 8 to 12 feet tall within a 6-month period. Available in yellow with a brown center, with dyed varieties also commonly found in the marketplace, a well-known sunflower characteristic is that the flowering heads track the sun's movement throughout the day, a phenomenon known as heliotropism. With a lifespan of 7 days, these incredible blooms give a sunlit, summery feel to any mixed bouquet, and add a classic comfort to harvest happenings, making them a perfect way to brighten any day. Sunflowers Care and Handling

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TULIPS

Tulipia

Bud Stage

Bloom Stage

Often thought of as a Dutch flower, tulips originated in Central Asia, in which it has long been recognized as the national flower of Turkey. Currently grown at farms in Holland, California, Michigan, Virginia, and Canada, these beloved blooms have been cultivated for over 500 years. Once the most expensive flower in the world, in the 1600s, when tulips were first introduced to Holland, they became so widely popular that an economy of trading, referred to as, "Tulip Mania," grew seemingly overnight. This trend was short-lived however, and when the tulip economy crashed, so did the fortunes of many of the Dutch. Long considered a sign of spring, tulips are now available year round to help us inspire and express our most heartfelt emotions to those we hold near and dear.

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CALLA LILIES

Calla palustris

Also known as Arum Lily, Trumpet Lily, and even Pig Lily, the Calla Lily has a certain elegance and sophistication that has captured our attention for centuries. Though called a lily, it is not really part of the lily family but comes from a flowering genus of 28 species originating in Africa. Currently grown at farms in Colombia, Ecuador, and California, this bloom's name, Calla, comes from the Greek term for beautiful, and brings a chic style to any fresh flower arrangement. A favorite for many brides, calla lilies are often used at weddings, but create a wonderful way bring a modern flair to any flower bouquet.

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PERUVIAN LILIES

Alstromeria aurea

A symbol of friendship and devotion, Peruvian Lilies, or Alstromeria, were named after the Swedish botanist Klas von Alstroemer as this flower's seeds were among many collected by the botanist on a trip to Spain in 1753. Grown today at farms in Colombia and Ecuador, Peruvian Lilies are known to have upside down leaves, with the leaf twisting as it leaves the stem, turning it so the bottom faces upwards. Peruvian Lilies bring color and texture to any fresh flower arrangement whether used to give a mixed bouquet a fuller look with its multiple blooms per stem, or when simply gathered together to create a remarkable fresh flower bouquet all on their own.

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GERBERA DAISIES

Gerbera jamesonii

Honestly the happiest flower on earth, gerbera daisies symbolize innocence, purity, and cheerfulness. Originally from Africa and currently grown at farms in California, Ecuador, Colombia, and Holland, this brilliant bloom was first discovered in 1880 by Robert Jameson, a Scotsman operating a gold mine in Transvaal. Since then gerbera daisies have captured the attention of breeders and plant collectors who sought to create the brilliant colors and sturdy nature that these blooms showcase currently in today's market. Set to add cheer and fun to any mixed bouquet, gerbera daisies are simply irresistible when gathered together in different hues and textures, such as the spider variety to create a fun and festive flower arrangement.

October Birth Flower: Marigold

The marigold is the October birth flower. It is known for its vibrant orange color and is native to the Mediterranean. The first recorded cultivation of marigolds began with the Aztecs, who believed that the sunny flower possessed magical properties. Spanish conquistadors took these marigolds back with them to Spain where they were grown in monasteries.

From here, the marigold spread throughout Europe, and ultimately the rest of the world. Throughout history, marigolds have been used as dyes and as culinary ingredients, as well as a cure for many health ailments. In Mexico and Latin America, marigolds are used as a primary decoration for All Saints Day, where altars are embellished with these bright orange flowers. Today, the marigold is one of the most popular flowers in the United States.

With a bloom time that spans nearly the entire year, this October flower blooms from spring to fall and are one of the hardiest fall flowers. Avid gardeners plant marigolds due to their ability to repel insects and pests. Additionally, their odor can repel bacterial growth within the soil, keeping it healthy and nutritious for other plants.

Marigold Meanings and Symbolism

Marigolds are available in yellow, gold and red, but they are best known for their bright orange color, which symbolizes creativity and passion. However, in different cultures, the marigold can take on a wide variety of meanings, both positive and negative, such as:

• Promoting cheer and joy
• Winning over someone’s love with hard work
• Desire to be wealthy and successful
• Despair and grief
• Remembering those who have passed away

October Birthstone

The month of October officially has two birthstones: opal and tourmaline.

The opal is an opaque gemstone that has a holographic sheen. When light is flashed onto it, the opal sparkles with the colors of the rainbow. This unique reflection is due to tiny cracks within the stone that cause light to break into various colors when hit. Even the black opal is known for reflecting bright colors of red and green. The opal gets its name from the Latin word opalus, which means “precious stone.” The opal is a symbol of love and hope.

The tourmaline is a mysterious gemstone that exhibits a wide variety of colors. In fact, many rubies and emeralds have been misidentified, and are actually tourmaline. Other tourmaline colors include: yellow, blue, green, pink, brown and black. Tourmaline gets its name from the Sanskrit word toramalli, which means “something little out of the earth.”

Because the tourmaline is a recent discovery, it lacks the rich history that other gemstones have. However, the tourmaline is known to bring calm and eliminate fear and has come to be known as the “peace stone.”

October Zodiac Horoscope

According to the zodiac horoscope, both Libras and Scorpios are born in October.

Libras are characterized as refined, social, artistic, and communicative. Libras born between October 1st and the 22nd, fall on the Libra-Virgo cusp and tend to exhibit analytical qualities and rational nature of Virgos. These qualities can easily take over making it difficult to interact with others. Because of this, October Libras can be extremely self-critical.

Scorpios are characterized as passionate, secretive, steadfast and stubborn. Scorpios born between October 23rd and the 31st fall on the Libra-Scorpio cusp and tend to be pleasure seeking and become social butterflies. October Scorpios are known for being highly intuitive and intelligent, however, their straightforwardness and bluntness when it comes to expressing their opinions can come off as egotistic. On the other hand, their charisma and sociability shall take them far.

Famous Birthdays In October

• Gandhi, spiritual leader, October 2.
• John Lennon, member of The Beatles, October 9th.
• Julie Andrews, Oscar winning actress for her role as Mary Poppins, October 1st.
• Matt Damon, American actor, October 8th.
• Kate Winslet, Oscar winning actress, October 5th.

Do you have an October birthday, or know someone that does? From beautiful bouquets to gourmet birthday treats, check out our selection of truly thoughtful birthday gift ideas! Use our exclusive FTD coupons and promo codes to find fresh flowers, original gift baskets, and lush greenery for any occasion at a great value.

Source: Ftd.com

FTD Blog: Freesia Meaning and Symbolism

Freesia Story & Origins

The freesia flower originated in South Africa, and belongs to the Iris family which includes approximately 14 freesia species. This flower got its name when the botanist, Christian P. Ecklon, named the flower after Friedrich H.T. Freese, a fellow botanist, as a commemoration of their friendship. Freesia meanings include friendship, trust, and innocence, among various other meanings.

Due to their delicate fragrance, freesias are one of the most popular flowers in the world. However, they are very difficult to grow in domestic gardens and their petals are extremely delicate. They are popular as cut flowers and are often a florist’s favorite for bouquets and centerpieces.

Freesia flowers are similar to gladioli in that the flowers grow from a central stalk that has sword-shaped leaves. The flowers are funnel-shaped and their stalks can grow up to one foot in height.

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Freesia Meanings

Freesia flower meanings generally include: friendship, trust, thoughtfulness and innocence. They are a popular gift for friends and family, as are a popular flower amongst various cultures.

• According to the Victorian language of flowers, the freesia is the ultimate flower of trust.
• In the United States, the freesia is the official flower to commemorate a couple’s seventh wedding anniversary.
• In numerology, freesias signify the number nine, which signifies selflessness and obligation.
• Since the 1950s, freesias have been widely used as wedding flowers because they represent both the purity of the bride as well as the trust between the couple.

Freesia Symbolism & Colors

Due to their popularity, freesias have been widely cross bred. Today there are over 1,400 species of cultivars ranging in color from red, white, and yellow, to purple and pink. Freesias of all colors generally symbolize trust and innocence, but there are several freesia colors that carry specific meanings.

White freesias symbolize purity and innocence. They are one of the most popular wedding flowers because they are symbolic of the purity of the bride as well as the trust between the couple.

Multicolored freesia bouquets symbolize friendship and thoughtfulness. They make great gifts for family, friends, and even co-workers.

Pink freesias symbolize motherly love.

Yellow freesias symbolize joy, renewal, and friendship.

Red freesias symbolize passion.

Freesia Cultural Significance

Robert Henry Forster, a famous English poet, refers to the freesia’s sweet fragrance in his poem “The Greenhouse in Early April.” In the poem, he describes the abundance of colorful blooms in his well-stocked greenhouse just as winter is fading and spring is approaching.

Fragrance the newly opened Freesia sheds

From its white trumpets with the splash of gold;

Freesia Facts

• Freesia flowers can either be single or double petaled, and grow in a Y-shape.
• Although non-poisonous, the sap from a freesia can cause irritation for people who have sensitive skin.
• The “Ballerina” freesia is named for its shape, which looks like the silhouette of a ballerina dancer.
• Freesia plants are zygomorphic, which means that their flowers only grow on one side of the stalk.

Freesia Uses

Since freesias are best grown in humid and subtropical climates, they are difficult to grow in domestic gardens in the United States. Thus, they are primarily used as cut flowers and can last at least a week in a vase.

The freesia flower is known for its fragrance, which has many applications and uses. Freesias are widely used in aromatherapy as a means for stress relief. Placing a bouquet of freesias in your home or office can have a significant impact on your mood and reduce your stress levels. Since the fragrance from freesias is so pleasantly sweet, the species Freesia refracta is widely cultivated as a fragrance for use in shampoos, body lotions, and perfumes. In fact, many of the most popular designer perfumes today include the freesia scent to balance out the overall fragrance.

It’s easy to see why the freesia is one of the most popular flowers in the world. Their sweet fragrance and variety of colors make them the perfect gift for showing your friends and family that you are thinking about them.

Resources

www.flowermeaning.com  |  www.namesofflowers.net  |  www.ehow.com  |  www.auntyflo.com  |  www.flowerexperts.com  |  www.homeguides.sfgate.com  |  www.inspirationalstories.com

Image Sources

Middle image top left CC Image courtesy of Alvesgaspar on Wikimedia Commons

Middle image top right CC Image courtesy of Melissa Wiese on Flickr

Bottom image yellow freesia CC Image courtesy of Toshiyuki IMAI on Flickr

5 Rose Backgrounds To Celebrate Every Day

The rose is a classic flower that is used to celebrate countless occasions. From receiving a single red rose from your first love, to giving mom a bouquet of pink roses to tell her thank you on Mother’s Day, there are different rose colors that are used to express different meanings. Buy Flowers for Under $35 at FTD. Buy Now! http://coupon4share.com/store/ftd.com

Red roses are known as the ultimate symbol of love and romance. Pink roses of all hues ranging from light pinks to fuchsia, represent admiration and gratitude, and are the perfect way to say thank you. Orange roses symbolize enthusiasm and passion and sends a message of excitement. White roses represent purity and innocence and can also represent reverence for a loved one.

Since it’s so easy to incorporate roses into life’s most memorable moments, why not celebrate everyday with roses? With everything that life can throw at you, it’s easy to get discouraged or feel a lack of motivation to power through your day. That’s why we created these five rose backgrounds to brighten it up!

Each rose background includes words of encouragement and inspiring quotes that will be sure to inspire your creativity, and motivate you to think positively. Decorate your computer desktop, or iPhone wallpaper with these backgrounds to remind yourself to stay positive and to find something new to celebrate everyday!

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop 

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop 

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop

Download this image for: phone | tablet | desktop

No matter what the occasion, roses can help make life’s most memorable moments even more memorable. To celebrate an anniversary, there’s nothing more special than receiving a classic bouquet of red roses. Celebrating a special friend’s birthday? Get creative by sending them a dozen of our famous rainbow roses. It’s clear to see that roses are the perfect way to brighten up anyone’s day and by sending roses, you’re letting that special someone know that you’re thinking of them.

Ftd Promo Codes on Occasion anniversary

FTD makes selecting the perfect anniversary flowers and gifts easy! You'll find the ideal anniversary gift for your wife, friends or relatives at FTD. Nothing says love like a bouquet of red roses or a floral arrangement of her favorite flowers that will bring a smile to her face. Mark this special occasion with beautiful flowers and anniversary keepsakes from FTD!



Plants and Flowers




Whether you're newly married or a long-time married couple, FTD celebrates wedded bliss. Offering fresh flowers and thoughtful gifts, we know how to warm your loved one's heart on the day of your anniversary. Nothing expresses your love better than breathtaking blooms, and FTD has a wide selection of daisies, tulips, roses, orchids and lilies to choose from.


Offering a wide selection of anniversary flowers and gifts, we make gift-giving easy and fun. If you're more of a traditionalist, consider sending beautiful, long-stemmed red roses or a timeless piece of jewelry from FTD's Jewelry Boutique. Like to get creative? Order a delightful gourmet gift basket, including Belgian chocolate-covered strawberries, Godiva chocolates or Mrs. Fields treats. Leave your beloved speechless with stunning floral arrangements from FTD's Luxury Collection, or pamper your spouse with our spa gifts.
If you would like to send your sweetheart a beautiful bundle of roses on your anniversary, FTD has just what you're looking for. Every rose color has a meaning all its own, so you can convey the perfect message. Red roses symbolize love and romance; pink roses denote appreciation and admiration; yellow roses signify friendship; white roses represent well wishes and remembrance; orange roses suggest passion and excitement; and purple roses express love at first glance.
FTD is the nation's trusted online florist. Open 365 days a year, you can depend on us to make your anniversary extra special. And withsame-day delivery options, it's okay if it slipped your mind (we won't tell!). FTD's 'Good as Gold' 7-Day Satisfaction Guarantee ensures fresh, beautiful flowers and floral arrangements for at least seven days post delivery.
You can also count on FTD to help commemorate other special occasions, including birthdays, weddings and new baby gifts. Delight your darling with a gift 'just because,' or send get well wishes to a special friend. Whatever the gift and whatever the occasion, FTD is here to celebrate with you. Personally delivered by an FTD florist, we’ll brighten the day of someone special.

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Gift Baskets

Is a birthday, holiday or special event around the corner, leaving you worried about finding the perfect gift? Hurrying around the mall in hopes of finding something nice can be a hassle, especially when racing against the clock. This is where FTD comes in with our large assortment of gift baskets. For those people in your life with a sweet tooth—and even for those that are more health conscious—FTD offers quick gift delivery on all our gift baskets. So skip out on the mall and send a gift basket for your next birthday, graduation, housewarming or any other event that pops up on the calendar.

One of the most popular gift baskets is our fruit gift basket. FTD sources the highest quality produce for our fruit gift baskets. Ripe apples, pears and oranges create a delicious and healthy gift option that not only looks great, but also tastes equally delicious. Not looking for fresh fruit? We also have a large selection of fruit gifts including gourmet dried fruits that serves as the perfect snack for the office.

For the wine lovers, opt for one of our many wine and cheese gift baskets. Some of these baskets even come with an attractive cutting board to display the pairing of premium cheese and premium wine. Perfect for those who enjoy building their wine collection; surprise your loved one with a new wine addition that will also create a memory.

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Our gift baskets also serve as a great gift for seasonal festivities and events. Try FTD's Easter basket delivery to receive the perfect gift for this springtime celebration, or add something sweet to the holidays with a cookies and chocolate gift basket.

FTD offers same-day gift basket delivery, which is the perfect solution for your last-minute gift shopping. Order your next gift through FTD and have your gift baskets delivered in a timely manner. We know you and the recipient will be thrilled with the result!

Chrysanthemum Meaning and Symbolism

The first chrysanthemums were cultivated in China centuries ago. It has appeared in ancient Chinese writings as early as 15th century BC and was used as an herbal remedy. Its boiled roots were believed to provide headache relief, and the sprouts and petals were eaten in salads. The Chinese city of Chu-Hsien was named after the chrysanthemum and literally means “Chrysanthemum City.”

From China, the chrysanthemum made its way over to Japan by Buddhist monks in AD 400. Soon after its introduction, the Japanese were so enamored by this beautiful flower that it was soon adopted as the emperor’s crest and official seal. “Kiku” is the Japanese name for chrysanthemum and every year there is a National Chrysanthemum Day which is also referred to as the Festival of Happiness.

In the 17th century, the chrysanthemum was introduced to Europe where Karl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy, coined the Western name “chrysanthemum.” The name is derived from the Greek words “chrysos” meaning gold, and “anthemon” meaning flower. Today they are also commonly referred to as “mums.”

Chrysanthemum Meanings

Since the flower blooms in the fall, the chrysanthemum signifies joy and beauty despite the oncoming winter. Although beautiful, chrysanthemums hold various meanings across different time periods and cultures, both positive and negative.

• Victorians used chrysanthemums to show friendship and well-wishing.
• Buddhists use the chrysanthemum as offerings due to their powerful Yang energy.
• In China, the chrysanthemum is traditionally offered to the elderly as they symbolize long life as well as good luck in the home.
• In Australia, chrysanthemums are the official flower for Mother’s Day due to their nickname “mums.”
• In Belgium and Austria, the chrysanthemum is used almost exclusively as a memorial flower to honor loved ones and is the flower of choice for placing on graves. Follow this link to save 25% OFF Select Flowers, Gifts, and Plants at FTD! http://coupon4share.com/store/ftd.com

Chrysanthemum Symbolism & Colors

Chrysanthemums generally symbolize longevity, fidelity, joy and optimism. Various colors symbolize other important meanings as well.

• Red chrysanthemums symbolize love and deep passion.
• Yellow chrysanthemums symbolize neglected love or sorrow.
• White chrysanthemums symbolize loyalty and honesty.
• Violet chrysanthemums symbolize a wish to get well.

Chrysanthemum Cultural Significance

Since the chrysanthemum was first cultivated in China, the flower still holds deep cultural significance to this day, especially in art. The chrysanthemum is one of the Four Gentleman, which include the plum blossom, theorchid, and bamboo. These are the four main plants depicted in traditional Chinese watercolor paintings, and are derived from Confucianism.

In Japan, the official seal for the Imperial family is a chrysanthemum with 16 petals and is used for official government documents. In the military, the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum is the most prestigious honor that can be awarded by the Emperor.

Chrysanthemum Facts

• The chrysanthemum is the official birth flower of November.
• In the United States, the chrysanthemum is the largest commercially produced flower and is known as the “Queen of Fall Flowers.”
• The chrysanthemum head is actually a cluster of many small flower heads.
• The chrysanthemum belongs to the Asteraceae family which is the largest family of flowering plants and includes over 23,000 species.

Chrysanthemum Uses

Chrysanthemums have long been used for their medicinal properties. Drinking chrysanthemum flower tea and taking chrysanthemum vitamins or supplements can provide a multitude of health benefits. These benefits include: treating chest pain, reducing high blood pressure, treating diabetes, reducing fever, being an anti-inflammatory agent, and alleviating headaches.

In addition to medicine, the chrysanthemum is used in as an essential ingredient in Chinese cooking. The leaves are used as greens in many sautéed dishes, soups, and salads and the delicate petals are brewed into tea.

In the United States, the yellow and orange varieties are the most popular bedding plants used in landscaping.

Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium is used as a powerful ingredient in insecticides. The active ingredient found in the flower heads is called pyrethrum, and is a toxic compound that causes paralysis in insects.