The Japanese imperial symbol: chrysanthemum

The chrysanthemum, kiku in Japanese, is one of the very important flowers in Japanese history. Originating from China, this plant has been imported to Japan during the period of Nara, between 710 and 794, for the medicinal purpose. From 13th century, the Emperor Go-Toba decided to use a variation of chrysanthemum having 16 double petals as the emblem of the imperial family. Reserved for the aristocracy at the beginning, but this flower was widespread and became accessible for everyone in the Edo period (1600-1868).

Today, the chrysanthemum became the symbol of Japan. It can be seen in multiple locations like, for example, on the cover of the Japanese passport, you can see the small flower in gold on it. It is also seen in some coins on which this flower is engraved.

In November, there is a big festival of chrysanthemum called kiku matsuri in Japanese starts in the shrine Yushima Tenman-gû in Tokyo. During the kiku matsuri not less than 2000 flowers from 30 different varieties are shown. In each year, 100000 people visit here to discover this floral art in bright colours of chrysanthemum which sparkle the streets of Tokyo.

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