Chrysanthemums hold different cultural meanings in France and Japan

Chrysanthemums hold vastly different cultural meanings in France and Japan. In France, the flower is primarily associated with cemeteries and commemoration. According to Paris authorities, it is a common sight at gravesites during All Saints' Day and memorial services in early November. This tradition was reinforced in 1919 when President Raymond Poincaré requested the use of chrysanthemums to decorate memorials marking the first anniversary of the end of World War I. In 2023, chrysanthemums accounted for 60% of the total flower consumption in France during All Saints' Day.

In contrast, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of nobility and longevity in Japan. It is deeply integrated into the nation's history and culture, serving as the official symbol of the Japanese Imperial Family through a stylized 16-petal design.