Chrysanthemums, or golden flowers, are simple yet powerful flowers with a strong presence. They are also considered medicinal in many ways. Let’s explore the meaning and uses of these vibrant blooms.
1. Introduction to the Golden Flower
The golden flower, or Chrysanthemum in English, originated from a wildflower species believed to be native to China and Japan. Through selective breeding, we now have the beautiful golden flowers we know today. Chrysanthemums were introduced to Vietnam around the 15th century, and the Vietnamese consider them a symbol of nobility and purity, including them in the “Four Gentlemen” or “Four Noble Ones”: pine, chrysanthemum, bamboo, and plum.
With their strong vitality, golden flowers are widely distributed worldwide, especially in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, China, Japan, and Vietnam. In Vietnam, golden flowers are grown year-round.
Golden flowers are small herbaceous plants with brittle, jointed stems that grow upright or trailing. The stems exude a white milky sap. The leaves are arranged alternately, with deeply lobed feather-like shapes. They are a deep green color, with a fine layer of hair on the underside.
Golden Flowers
2. Characteristics of Golden Flowers
Golden flowers typically bloom at the top of the stem and can be either unisexual or bisexual. Unisexual flowers have only male stamens or female pistils, while bisexual flowers have both on the same flower. Based on the arrangement of petals, they can be classified as double (multiple rows of petals) or single (one row of petals).
A flower stem usually branches out to form multiple flowers, all with the characteristic bright yellow color of golden flowers. The flowers have a diameter of 3-7 cm, depending on the variety. The fruit of the golden flower is small, containing a single seed with an embryo but no endosperm.
In Vietnam, two popular varieties of golden flowers are commonly cultivated: the larger and the smaller golden flowers.
Large and Small Golden Flowers
3. The Meaning of Golden Flowers
Brings Wealth and Luck
Golden flowers are believed to bring wealth and luck to families, especially during the Tet holiday season. The vibrant yellow color of the flowers is thought to bring a burst of life and energy into homes, attracting good fortune and prosperity.
Symbol of Longevity
The golden flower is seen as a hardy plant with a strong vitality. Decorating with these flowers during Tet expresses a wish for peace, good health, and a long life in the coming year.
Represents Filial Piety
The image of the golden flower is linked to a touching folk tale about filial piety. Displaying these flowers during Tet also symbolizes children’s respect and love for their parents, wishing them health and peace.
Emblem of Nobility and Prestige
The golden flower is considered a symbol of imperial nobility and prestige. Decorating with these flowers during the Tet holiday expresses a wish for wealth and honor.
Golden Flowers for Tet
4. Medicinal Uses of Golden Flowers
Besides their decorative value, golden flowers are also valued for their medicinal properties. They contain antioxidants and essential oils that have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-irritant effects, helping with coughs and nasal congestion, among other things. Additionally, golden flowers can improve skin clarity and reduce acne-related inflammation.
Golden flowers can also be used to make tea, which has a refreshing effect, reducing fatigue and stress. This tea also promotes deeper, more restful sleep and helps lower body temperature.
Medicinal Uses of Golden Flowers
5. Growing and Caring for Golden Flowers
Cultivation Techniques for Golden Flowers
Golden flowers can be propagated through stem cutting or seed sowing.
Stem Cutting
Stem cutting is a preferred method as the new plant will inherit the superior characteristics of the mother plant. To prepare a cutting, you’ll need:
Soil: Use well-aerated, fertile soil with good drainage. Before planting, sterilize the soil to prevent fungal infections.
Timing: While golden flowers can be propagated year-round, spring is ideal due to the warm and humid weather, reducing water loss.
Choosing the Right Stem: Select healthy, pest-free stems. Avoid overly young or old stems, as they may not have sufficient nutrients to support the new plant, resulting in slower growth and smaller flowers.
Performing the Cutting: Cut the stem at a 30-degree angle to increase the surface area for root development. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone and then place the cutting in a sheltered area, watering regularly. Roots should develop within 2-4 weeks.
Stem Cutting of Golden Flowers
Seed Sowing
This method is less technically demanding but still produces healthy golden flower plants.
Choose large, uniform, plump seeds that are free of insect damage.
Soak the selected seeds in water for 7-10 hours.
Create a small hole and place the seed inside, then cover it with a thin layer of soil or compost to retain moisture. Water regularly, and the seeds should germinate within 2-4 weeks.
Seed Sowing
Caring for Golden Flowers
As golden flowers prefer moist conditions, water them 2-3 times a week, adjusting the frequency based on weather conditions to avoid over or under-watering. Once the plant has established roots, you can begin fertilizing.
Fertilize in four stages: first, when the plant has taken root; second, after 10 days, apply nitrogen fertilizer; third, about 25 days later, apply NPK fertilizer; and fourth, about 40 days after the third application, apply a mixture of phosphate fertilizer and manure.
To encourage even and attractive flowering, pinch back the growing tips about 15-20 days after planting. Golden flowers are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but if issues arise, simply remove the affected parts and continue caring for the plant.
Caring for Golden Flowers
Techniques for Keeping Flowers Fresh on an Altar
Choosing Fresh Flowers
Select flowers with intact stems, leaves, and fresh blooms. The stems and leaves should feel firm and have a deep green color, while the petals should be undamaged. Examine the cut end of the flower to gauge its freshness.
Choosing Fresh Flowers
Trimming the Flowers
Ensure you thoroughly wash the flowers to remove any dirt or debris, as this can promote bacterial growth and cause an unpleasant odor in the vase water. Always use an odd number of flowers or a multiple of ten when arranging them on an altar. For better water absorption, cut the flower stems at a 45-degree angle.
6. Applications of Golden Flowers in Daily Life
Beautifying Living Spaces
With their bright yellow color, golden flowers are perfect for decorating and brightening up any living space. Their pleasant fragrance also helps purify the air and creates a relaxing atmosphere, reducing stress.
Making Golden Flower Tea
Golden flower tea has numerous health benefits. It helps cool the body, detoxifies, supports liver health, and aids in treating insomnia, among other things.
Medicinal Uses
Golden flowers are rich in essential oils, vitamin A, vitamin B1, and other beneficial substances, making them valuable in pharmaceutical preparations.
Applications of Golden Flowers in Daily Life
7. Where to Buy Golden Flowers and Their Price
Golden flowers are readily available at flower shops and online marketplaces. The price of a golden flower pot typically ranges from 50,000 to 200,000 VND, depending on the variety.
We hope that this article has helped you understand the characteristics, uses, and meaning of golden flowers. Despite their simplicity, these flowers offer a wealth of benefits. Explore our collection of International Women’s Day flowers to find the perfect gift for the special women in your life!
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