Morning Folks 10 27 05

There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October. - Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Chrysanthemum
The Flower of Happiness, was so revered that in Japan only the nobles could grow it. It has been grown for over 2,000 years all throughout in the Far East. It has come to mean love and truthfulness. We may see it carved on the throne of the Emperor of Japan and on many Chinese artifacts.












A Chinese Legend
Three thousand years ago an elderly Chinese emperor heard about a magic herb that would give him eternal youth. This herb could only be picked by young people. The old emperor sent 24 children to an island where this plant was said to grow. They arrived after surviving perilous storms and attacks by sea serpents, and found neither inhabitants nor the magic herb. All they found was a flower—the golden chrysanthemum—that gained a reputation for conferring long and vigorous life.The Chinese now hold the Double Ninth Festival on the ninth day of the ninth month of their lunar calendar. Double Ninth started out as a day to drive away danger, with customs that included the drinking of chrysanthemum wine, considered to have cleansing qualities. Today it is a celebration and an occasion for chrysanthemum appreciation: chrysanthemum tea and wine is served, children learn poems about chrysanthemums, and many cities host a chrysanthemum exhibit.


What kind of flowers do you give to King Tut? Chrysanthemummies.

Have a great Thursday.

Love,
Suz