THE MEANING & SYMBOLISM OF
chrysanthemum
With a history that dates back to 15th century B.C.,
chrysanthemum mythology is filled with a multitude of stories and
symbolism. Named from the Greek prefix “chrys-“ meaning golden (its
original color) and “-anthemion,” meaning flower, years of artful
cultivation have produced a full range of colors, from white to purple
to red. Daisy-like with a typically yellow center and a decorative
pompon, chrysanthemums symbolize optimism and joy. They’re the
November birth flower, the 13th wedding anniversary flower
and the official flower of the city of Chicago. In Japan, there’s even
a “Festival of Happiness” to celebrate this flower each year.
A symbol of the sun, the Japanese consider the orderly
unfolding of the chrysanthemum’s petals to represent perfection, and
Confucius once suggested they be used as an object of meditation. It’s
said that a single petal of this celebrated flower placed at the
bottom of a wine glass will encourage a long and healthy life. http://www.teleflora.com/about-flowers/chrysanthemum.asp
Some things just seem to make an impression and this picture fills the bill. The contrasting colors, the dewdrops and that impressive "sun" in the middle make for a feast of the eyes; something that just makes you want to look, and look harder and then just take in the beauty- forever!!! And the realization that it took a lot of effort to cultivate such a regal flower just adds something to the mix.
Some may say: So what, its just a flower. And of course they are correct- it is a flower. But, the point is this: You as a human being can appreciate this creation. You can feel, think, contemplate and just plain wonder at its beauty. You can modify, classify and imagine even greater things than this wonder before us. You are special; unlike any other creature upon this orb- You are a creation of God; and what a creation indeed!!!!
Now, consider the best man who ever lived!
Matthew, Chapter 8 (WEB)
23 When he got into a boat, his disciples followed him. 24 Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves, but he was asleep. 25 They came to him, and woke him up, saying, “Save us, Lord! We are dying!”
26 He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.
27 The men marveled, saying, “What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
26 He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.
27 The men marveled, saying, “What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
What kind of man, indeed...
Colossians, Chapter 1 (WEB)
9 For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don’t cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; 13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love; 14 in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins; 15 who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things are held together. 18 He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For all the fullness was pleased to dwell in him; 20 and through him to reconcile all things to himself, by him, whether things on the earth, or things in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of his cross.
If you and I as mere human beings can appreciate the beauty of a flower, then what about ourselves as a creation? Furthermore, what about our re-creation in Christ? To my knowledge, there is no other species which has the opportunity to be "born again"- to literally be spiritually re-created. And this is beautiful; beyond anything a mere flower could ever be!!!!
You know, I missed something- I should have picked a Rose instead!!!