This month's flower - Chrysanthemum

In Japan, Chrysanthemum flowers bloom during November.

This flower was introduced to Japan by China during the end of the Nara Period.
In China, chrysanthemums were used as a medicine to promote long life. The emperor of Japan heard about these benefits and began drinking chrysanthemum flavored sake and prayed for a long life. The chrysanthemum has been used for medicinal purposes in the past but recently has become more of an ornamental flower appreciated for its beauty. It is also commonly used as a decoration on culinary works of art.

The chrysanthemum flower is considered to be Japan’s symbol being that it is used as the emperor’s family crest as well as the country’s national flower. The flower is also printed on the government issued passports and is used on the badge worn by the governor.

In the world of incense, there were 6 fragrances that were enjoyed by the noblemen of the Heian period. One of these fragrances is Kikka, which is the fragrance that was made with the image of the chrysanthemum flower. This fragrance is still enjoyed by many today.