Chrysanthemums are our Flower a Day feature today, bringing back for me a funny memory of when we lived in France. It was the end of October and we were visiting Jean and Yvette in the North (we lived in the South West at the time). We stopped off on our trip to pick up a gift and chose a beautiful pot of bright Chrysanthemums, knowing how they would be a cheerful addition to any room. When we arrived, we got a funny look from Yvette who nevertheless accepted the flowers graciously and welcomed us. It wasn’t until later that our friends explained the look. Those flowers are generally reserved for All Saints Day – Toussaint – (which was why they were being sold then) and traditionally placed on graves of dead loved ones. Why reserve such beauty for the dead who don’t see them? Today I present them to you in their bright happy colour so you can enjoy them while you have a little laugh at our faux pas all those years ago.
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Ah, Chrysanthemums…I know Fall is here when the mums arrive. The summer displays of blooms on peoples front porches and walkways are replaced with these tight clusters of mums in a variety of deep shades evocative of fall. Rarely have I actually seen the individual flower, so tightly gathered in their pots are they, huddled together against the coming cold and prying eyes. So, this is a true delight…to see how lovely each bloom is and that it could very well stand on its own. Row upon row of delicate petals culminating in that tight bud in the middle arriving at that deep rich colour that are the mums’ signature. Thank you, Ellie. There’ll be no funny looks from me.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. It’s true that they usually make their display in their numbers, we don’t take much notice of the individal bloom in the bunch. I wanted to give an idea of the mass of colour while still highlighting an individual flower. I’m glad not to get a funny look from you… I think I might have had one in the past… Don’t want that!
They are lovely beautiful color to brighten your day. Plus a lovely story to go along to put a smile on your face. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Linda. I’m glad if it gave you a smile to read as well. Have a good day.