CHYRSANTHEMUM AND CHINESE NEW YEAR

Look at my two pots of flowers, the poinsetta and chrysanthemum.  Both these plants are associated with festivals.  Poinsettas are symbolic of Christmas Eve while Chrysanthemums remind one of the Chinese Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival.
How did it become associated with the Spring Festival?  History has it that Chrysanthemums were first cultivated in China as a herb way back in 15th century BC.  Yes, it does indeed have medicinal properties. In Chinese and East Asian art,  the plant is renowned as one of the Four Gentlemen.  To the Chinese Chrysanthemum symbolises perfection, optimism and joy. With such auspicious meanings, this flower is no doubt symbolic for the start of a new year.