It wouldn’t be October without mentioning Kiku: The Art of the Japanese Garden opening tomorrow at The New York Botanical Garden. It’s one of our favorite exhibits and it really showcases the chrysanthemum in a whole new light.
Growing up in Europe, mums were somewhat shunned in our house since they’re symbolic of death (i.e. they’re often used at funerals and to decorate graves) so we never really got to appreciate their ephemeral beauty.
Chrysanthemums have quite the opposite reputation in Japan where they’re celebrated during The Festival of Happiness (National Chrysanthemum Day), one of five ancient festival days in that country.
And it would only be natural to give mums on Mother’s Day like they do in Australia – mums for mum, how sweet!