National Chrysanthemum Day
About National Chrysanthemum Day
When is National Chrysanthemum Day Celebrated? This holiday is always observed on September 9.
Today is National Chrysanthemum Day. The holiday is over one thousand years old. This September 9 holiday originated in Japan in 910. It is also called the “Festival of Happiness”. The festival celebrates their love of this beautiful, long-lasting flower. Unquestionably, the flower is deeply embedded in Japanese culture. You can find it on pictures, statues, and artwork all over the country. Chrysanthemums are a symbol of the Imperial House of Japan. And, it is on the Imperial Emblem. You will find it on Japanese passports, too.
If you love flowers, then you’ll love chrysanthemums. The flower is a Fall favorite in the United States, too. So, this is the perfect time to celebrate the beauty of this bright and cheerful hardy flower. However, the holiday is not yet widely known and celebrated here in the U.S. Let’s change that. Add this holiday to your September calendar and take time to fully enjoy it.
The Japanese word for Chrysanthemum is “Kiku”. The holiday is also called The Festival of Happiness. Certainly, the bright blooms make people happy and put a smile on their faces. During the festival, it is customary to drink sake with chrysanthemum petals in it. And, people wipe chrysanthemum dew on their faces. Japanese believe the dew has healing powers.
Did You Know? Mums are hardy annuals. They overwinter successfully in most areas of the United States. If you have them in containers during the Fall season, plant them in the ground before the ground freezes.
How to Celebrate National Chrysanthemum Day
In Japan it is a national holiday. Certainly, if you are Japanese, you will celebrate and enjoy this holiday to the fullest. As for the rest of us, here are some ways to participate in the Festival of Happiness:
- First, buy some mums and plant them in your gardens.
- Place a vase or two of mums in your house to brighten up rooms.
- Try recipes that include chrysanthemums.
- Bake a cake and decorate it with Chrysanthemum flowers.
- Since they are such a cheerful flower, use the Festival of Happiness to take a bouquet of mums to someone who needs cheering up.
- Bring some of the flowers to your workplace to brighten up your workspace, or the breakroom.
- Celebrate Japanese style. Have some sake with Chrysanthemum petals.
Chrysanthemum Trivia and Fun Facts
Here are some Chrysanthemum trivia and fun facts. After reading them, you can impress your family and friends with your knowledge of mums.
- The flower symbolizes optimism and joy.
- There are over 1,000 varieties.
- The plants are native to Asia and northeastern Europe. Yet, they are grown all over the world for their beauty. They are easy to grow, too.
- Japanese imperials called their throne the “Chrysanthemum Throne”.
- In Japan, National Chrysanthemum Day is called the Festival of Happiness.
- Are you hungry!? Then, you’ll be happy to know that the leaves and petals of mums are edible. Eat them raw or cooked. Try them in salads and soups, too.
- There are many medicinal applications for Chrysanthemums. Among the uses: it fights cancer, treats chest pain, colds, fever, and the flu. Also, it is an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Eating them lowers blood sugar levels for type 2 diabetics.
- Not all countries view mums as a symbol of joy and happiness. In France, Belgium, Spain, and a few other European countries, it is a symbol of death. Funeral floral arrangements include them. And, they place mums on coffins and gravesites to honor the dead.
- The plant repels most insects. Thus, a chemical from the plant is used in insecticides.
- They are the zodiac flower for Virgos.
- Chrysanthemums are the national flower of Japan. They print the flower on Japanese passports.
Today's Quotes
“The Amen of nature is always a flower.” – – Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
“Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things towards you.” – – Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
History and Origin of National Chrysanthemum Day
National Chrysanthemum Day originated in Japan. In 910, the Japanese Imperial Court held the first Chrysanthemum Show. It became an annual event that is celebrated to this day. While it is called a “National” day, it is not one of the 16 official Japanese holidays. Thus, schools, businesses, and public offices are open on this holiday.
Chrysanthemum Day is not yet a well-known event in the United States or elsewhere. But, it is just beginning to gain recognition outside of Japan.
This Day in History
Here are some things that happened on this day:
- The U.S. Congress officially changed the name of the nation from the United Colonies to The United States of America. (1776)
- Elvis Presley first appears on the Ed Sullivan Show. (1956)
- Adam Sandler, actor, comedian was born on this day in 1966.
Related Holidays and Articles
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More September 9 Holidays
Besides National Chrysanthemum Day, here are more September 9 holidays you will enjoy:
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Also See: Fall Recipes and Holiday Recipes
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Did You Know? In addition to National Chrysanthemum Day, the Japanese Festival of Happiness, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays on a regular basis. September holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.