Few flowers are as culturally complex as the chrysanthemum. In the West, it’s seen as cheerful, elegant, and timeless. In many parts of Asia — especially among Chinese communities — it often carries a more somber meaning: prayers, mourning, and ancestral rites.
At Fiore Arte, we regularly hear clients ask,
"Can I include chrysanthemums in a bouquet? Or will it seem like I’m sending funeral flowers?"
The truth is: not all chrysanthemums are the same, and their meaning depends deeply on context, colour, and culture. Here's a look at how this iconic bloom is viewed around the world — and why it might be time to give chrysanthemums a second look.
The Asian Perception: Symbol of Mourning and Ancestral Offerings
In Chinese culture (as well as Japanese and Korean), chrysanthemums — especially white or yellow ones — are traditionally used for:
- Funerals
- Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day)
- Prayers and ancestral worship
White chrysanthemums, in particular, are symbolic of grief and remembrance. As a result, many Chinese Singaporeans instinctively associate the flower with loss or sadness.
This strong symbolism makes some people feel uneasy including them in casual gifts or joyous celebrations — especially if they’re unaware of the variety and design context.
The Western Perspective: Joy, Longevity, and Warmth
In contrast, chrysanthemums in Western culture are often seen as:
- Symbols of happiness, longevity, and abundance
- A staple in autumn floral design
- Popular choices for weddings, birthdays, and even Thanksgiving decor
They come in a wide array of forms — from pom-pom and daisy-like varieties to spider and reflexed blooms — and in colours like peach, copper, blush, and lavender. These modern tones and shapes make chrysanthemums a favourite in editorial and minimalist floral styling.
In the West, there is no strong association with death, which allows more freedom in using them creatively.
credits: https://www.instagram.com/buywifeflowers/
Not All Chrysanthemums Are "Funeral Flowers"
What many clients don’t realise is that the chrysanthemum family is vast, and some varieties look nothing like the standard altar flower.
For example:
- Chrysanthemum 'Vienna Copper': One of our favourites — a rich copper-toned bloom with incredible layering and texture. Rare, elegant, and highly sought after.
- Reflexed blush chrysanthemums: With their rounded petal structure, they resemble garden roses.
- Spider mums: These sculptural blooms are often used in modern arrangements and don’t carry the same visual association with prayer altars.
These varieties are more aligned with design-forward floristry and often appear in European and American bridal work.
So… Can You Gift Chrysanthemums?
The answer: Yes — but choose with intention.
- Avoid stark white or yellow single-stem mums when gifting to someone who may hold traditional views
- Opt for layered, reflexed, or copper-toned chrysanthemums — they look refined, unexpected, and luxurious
- Present them in a modern design context — paired with orchids, calla lilies, or dried foliage in sculptural form
At Fiore Arte, we use chrysanthemums selectively — not because we avoid them, but because we understand their symbolism and honour their transformation through design.
Final Thoughts: A Bloom Worth Rethinking
Cultural meanings are real, and they matter — but flowers evolve, just like fashion, food, and art. With growing appreciation for modern floral styling and cross-cultural influence, chrysanthemums are making a quiet return to the design spotlight.
What was once misunderstood can become admired again — when seen through a different lens.
Explore how we use modern chrysanthemums in our floral arrangements at https://fiorearte.com
or contact us to customise a design that blends cultural understanding with contemporary beauty.