November 3rd marks “Cultural Day” in Japan. Starting around this time, if you are in Japan, you will see many beautiful chrysanthemum flowers on display. There are even ““Chrysanthemum Festivals” or Kikkaten in which these gorgeous flowers are put out for show, sometimes to highlight the special qualities of a particular breed; sometimes the flowers are grouped together in an almost architectural fashion.

This is the last year in which the famous Hirakata chrysanthemum doll festival will take place; by tradition, 50 dolls are dressed up in 100,000 flowers.

You can think of the chrysanthemum as a sort of polar opposite to the cherry blossom, which blooms in the springtime. The chrysanthemum, of course, blooms in the autumn. Both flowers are said to unoficially “represent Japan,” and the 16 petal variety is the symbol of the Imperial family.

My mother, on the other hand, makes wonderful pickles from the chrysanthemums in her garden.

Beware of one thing, however, as you enjoy these flowers. We warned you earlier about the dual nature of the >higanbana, or red spider lily. Despite their celebrated beauty, chrysanthemums are also the flower traditionally presented at a funeral; in a funereal bouquet, white and yellow chrysanthemums“>white and yellow chrysanthemums are combined. So, if you want to give someone a present, be sure you throw some other colors into the mix, or just stick to one color.

I’d like to thank my friend Nobata Katsunari for sending these pictures to me. He and his wife live in Aichi perfecture near my grandparents, and are wonderful family friends.