Chrysanthemums
- Lazy Ghost
- Sep 11, 2025
- 3 min read
BACKGROUND
In Japan, chrysanthemums – kiku-no-hana (菊の花) or "kiku" for short – are associated with the fall, Buddhism, and the imperial family. These elegant flowers are part of the "four gentlemen" of the traditional Chinese ink painting, together with bamboo, plum blossoms, and orchids. They were imported to Japan during the Heian period (794-1185) and were initially used for decorative purposes during seasonal festival, as well as in cooking. Chrysanthemum festival (Choyo no Sekku), celebrated in September and initially reserved only for nobility, gained popularity among regular folk and introduced both visual and edible elements to Japanese life.
During Edo period (1603-1868) chrysanthemums became immensely popular. Cultivation of new varieties brought about elaborate flower displays to the Choyo no Sekku. A peculiar craft of doll-making using chrysanthemum flowers [菊人形 – Kiku Ningyo] is well preserved to these days and lives in small family-run businesses. Chrysanthemum dolls usually represent characters from fairy tales. Just like other four festivals in Japan, Choyo no Sekku has dedicated map service, marking the most beautiful places to enjoy chrysanthemum displays and admire the dolls. All the while eating crunchy chrysanthemum petals.
EDIBLE LONGEVITY
Chrysanthemum flowers were used in cooking since times immemorial. As the legend goes, they were believed to have the powers of longevity. One of the most simple methods is to steep flower petals in hot water and drink the liquid like tea. It has a slightly bitter taste. Fragrant flowers are also added to alcohol to create a pleasant aroma. Edible chrysanthemums are added to sushi and eaten with soy sauce. They can also be boiled, pickled, and fried as tempura. In fact, it is customary to see pickled chrysanthemum petals served as seasonal side dishes in chrysanthemum growing prefectures (Aomori, Shiga, Akita, Yamagata, Niigata).
Despite centuries of culinary traditions, there is no scientific evidence or research to support the claim of life extending qualities of chrysanthemums.
CHRYSANTHEMUMS AS SYMBOL OF IMPERIAL FAMILY.
Historical evidence suggests that chrysanthemums were adopted by the imperial family during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) by the Emperor Go-Toba (1183-98) who loved flowers and floral designs. Family crest with 16-petals design was formally established as the imperial family crest and seal during the Meiji period. Interestingly, there is a variety of a flat 16-petals chrysanthemums cultivated specifically to resemble the Imperial Japanese Mon.
There is a also peculiar legend about Emperor Go-Toba asking the swordsman to engrave a chrysanthemum family crest on the blade of his imperial sword. Apparently, the swordsman stamped the flower and a number one, giving the sword a name “kiku-ichimonji” (chrysanthemum one). It was possibly a start of sword-naming tradition.
BUDDHISM
Chrysanthemums are traditionally used as Buddhist flowers and as decorations during funerals. Even though they naturally bloom in the fall, modernised cultivation methods introduced after the WWII made them available year-round. Chrysanthemum flowers, particularly white ones, were selected for funeral offerings and altar and grave decorations, thanks to their ability to stay fresh for long periods of time. The tradition itself is said to come from the West.
It is believed that buddhas, when they transcend out of our world, leave a floral scent and flower petals to mark their presence. This scent is attributed to chrysanthemums. Matsuo Basho, while visiting Nara, wrote a famous haiku:
The scent of chrysanthemums
In Nara, ancient Buddhas.
菊の香や
奈良には
古き仏たち
[Kiku no ka ya / Nara ni wa furuki / hotoketachi]
Images: Art Institute of Chicago, Japan Tourism Federation.
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