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Why Are Chrysanthemums Offered to Ancestors but Rarely Grown at Home?

The chrysanthemum, a familiar flower deeply rooted in the spiritual life of Vietnamese people, is often overlooked as a decorative plant.

Administrator

15 July, 2024

Chrysanthemums, or cúc in Vietnamese, are in high demand during the rằm festival. Across Vietnam, from cities to villages, these vibrant yellow and white flowers are a common sight on altars during prayer and offering ceremonies.

Chrysanthemums hold a special place in Vietnamese culture and history. In ancient times, large-flowered chrysanthemums were considered noble flowers, featured in the Tứ Quý paintings and worn by aristocratic families.

Chrysanthemums for prayer offerings — Chrysanthemums: Prayer Offerings, Not Home Gardens

Why aren’t chrysanthemums commonly grown at home?

In traditional Vietnamese beliefs, chrysanthemums are associated with yin energy, while homes are meant to thrive on yang energy. Growing chrysanthemums at home is thought to increase the yin energy within the household, which is why these flowers are typically offered at altars and shrines.

The altar is the most sacred space in a Vietnamese home, a place of rest for the ancestors. Thus, it is considered appropriate to place chrysanthemums here as a sign of respect and devotion.

Chrysanthemums are also commonly linked with graves and offerings to the deceased. As a result, growing these flowers indoors may evoke associations with cemeteries, especially the large-flowered white chrysanthemums, which can bring to mind funeral ceremonies. This is why, in the past, people avoided using white chrysanthemums, in particular, as home decorations.

Chrysanthemums for decoration are usually smaller and more colorful — Decorative Chrysanthemums: Smaller and More Colorful

Additionally, the ancient Vietnamese made a distinction between flowers for appreciation and those for offerings. As chrysanthemums are strongly associated with offerings, they were not grown as ornamental plants to maintain a sense of solemnity. While the large-flowered white and yellow chrysanthemums are reserved for offerings, there are other varieties suitable for decorative purposes, such as the xú xi, úc áo, họa mi, and purple chrysanthemums.

Chrysanthemums thrive in environments with ample sunlight, which is why they are often grown in open, sunny fields. Some varieties emit a strong, pungent odor and attract insects, making them unsuitable for cultivation near living spaces.

Chrysanthemums are also well-suited to grand and majestic settings, and their beauty is best appreciated when planted in large numbers. The ancient Vietnamese were mindful of this and would arrange multiple pots or plants together for a more impressive display.

If you are fond of chrysanthemums and wish to grow them at home, consider the smaller, more colorful varieties that are typically used for decorative purposes. These will bring a cheerful and vibrant touch to your living space.

Reference: Personal interpretation and understanding

Frequently asked questions

Chrysanthemums are considered a symbol of longevity, purity, and rebirth in Vietnamese culture. During the festival season, particularly around the Tet holiday, people offer these flowers to their ancestors as a way of paying respect and seeking blessings for the new year.

While chrysanthemums are widely used for ancestral offerings, they are not commonly grown at home in Vietnam. This is partly due to the belief that the flowers bring bad luck or sadness if kept at home, as they are primarily associated with death and mourning.

Chrysanthemums hold a significant place in Vietnamese culture and symbolism. They represent resilience, strength, and the ability to overcome adversity. The flowers are also believed to bring good fortune and are used in traditional medicine for their healing properties.

Yes, chrysanthemums are increasingly being used for decorative purposes, especially in modern times. You can find them in flower arrangements, wedding bouquets, and even as potted plants in some homes. While the older generation may still hold strong beliefs about the flowers, the younger generation is more open to incorporating chrysanthemums into their daily lives.

Yes, lotuses are another type of flower that holds cultural and spiritual significance in Vietnam. They are often used in religious ceremonies and are considered a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, similar to the chrysanthemum.