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TATTOO DESIGNS & SYMBOLS - CHRYSANTHEMUM TATTOOS
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Chrysanthemum
 Chrysanthemum Tattoo Meanings - One of the most widely cultivated flowers in
the world, the chrysanthemum's popularity has grown such that "mums"
now reign as the undisputed "Queen of the Fall Flowers." Centuries
of careful breeding by gardeners has resulted in a wide range of
floral colors, shapes, and sizes. Today, the flower's colors include
various shades of pink, purple, red, yellow, bronze or orange, and
white.
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Chrysanthemum comes from combining the Greek word meaning
gold, with anthemon; meaning flower. So the chrysanthemum is
literally, the 'golden flower'. This noble blossom was often
portrayed as a symbol of perfection in many cultures. Quite an
achievement for a blossom that started out as a small, yellow
daisy-like flower! |
 The chrysanthemum has been cultivated in China for nearly 2,700
hundred years and the flower was revered for both its beauty and as
a medicinal herb. As an herb, it was believed to have the power of
life. Legend has it that the boiled roots were used as a headache
remedy; young sprouts and petals were eaten in salads; and leaves
were brewed for a festive drink.
 "If you would be happy for a lifetime, grow Chrysanthemums," says
one ancient Chinese philosopher. In China the chrysanthemum is a
symbol of Taoist simplicity and perfection. Autumn is the season of
this flower, a time of tranquillity, completeness, and abundance
following the harvest. Since it blooms right into winter, it may
also symbolize the ability to mediate between life and death,
between Heaven and Earth. The ancient Chinese name for chrysanthemum
is "Chu."
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The Japanese regard the chrysanthemum as their 'solar flower'; the
Japanese Imperial Family adopting it as their emblem and the Seal of
the Emperor himself. Indeed, the Emperor's position is referred to
as The Chrysanthemum Throne. The flower is depicted with 16 petals
radiating like flames from the sun, the center of which symbolizes
the Emperor's status in the scheme of things. Longevity and joy,
these are the attributes of both flower and worthy ruler. In Japan,
the Imperial Order of the Chrysanthemum is the highest Order of
Chivalry. Japan also has a National Chrysanthemum Day, which is
called the Festival of Happiness. |
 In Japanese tattooing, certain design elements are often paired
together, with specific flowers figuring prominently. There are
several traditional combinations: ryu (dragon) with kiku
(chrysanthemum), Karajishi, which is a combination Shishi (lion)
with botan (peonies), and menchirashi (men means "a mask," and
chirashi or chirasu means "to scatter") with cherry blossoms. Those
images are particular sets for Japanese traditional tattoo designs.
 In many European countries the chrysanthemum is known as the death
flower. In countries such as Belgium and Austria, the chrysanthemum
is used almost exclusively as a memorial on graves.
In Italy, chrysanthemums are most appropriate at funerals, perhaps
symbolizing its association with immortality. A chrysanthemum petal
in a glass of wine is thought to encourage a long and healthy life.
Here's to the chrysanthemum, Cheers!
Get inspired by some really amazing images and photos in our
Chrysanthemum
Inspiration Gallery
See also:
Flower & Plant Tattoo Index,
Japanese Tattoo Index
Choose your own chrysanthemum tattoo design from Tattoo-Art.com.
Buy the chrysanthemum flower tattoo design that is perfect for you.
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Chrysanthemum
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Chrysanthemum
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