Yesterday, we went to the chrysanthemum festival in Daegu, Korea. The botanical gardens were swarming with visitors. The flower beds and floral figures were adorned with multicolored chrysanthemums.
In Korea the chrysanthemum is considered a flower to be given in various occasions. The Koreans see it as a flower that conveys happiness and love. If you give a bouquet of chrysanthemums or even a single chrysanthemum to your beloved one, she will be delighted. A Korean friend of mine showed me the pictures of the chrysanthemums that a neighbor had given her from her garden.
If you live in Italy, never do that! In fact, the Italians associate this beautiful flower with death. We use chrysanthemums just to make wreaths for funerals and to deck the tombs and graves in the cemeteries on November 2, the Day of the Dead.
When in Rome do as the Romans do! If you do not know the culture of the country, give roses as a gift. However, the most beautiful flower is the one you keep in your heart. Give that flower, and you will not be wrong, for its fragrance and love will delight everyone you come across!
Ettore Grillo, author of these books:
– November 2: The Day of the Dead in Sicily (English version)
– A Hidden Sicilian History (English version)
– The Vibrations of Words (English version)
– Travels of the Mind (English version)
– Una Storia Siciliana Nascosta (versione in lingua italiana)
– Viaggi della Mente (versione in lingua italiana)
Ettore Grillo's Blog 