The 1883 Philadelphia Chrysanthemum Show

November 5, 1883 
On this day in Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society held its first Chrysanthemum Show in Horticultural Hall.

This would be the first of several Chrysanthemum events presented by PHS to the public.

Chrysanthemums have a fascinating history. In 1790, Chrysanthemums were brought back from China and introduced to England, where they were greeted with much adoration.

The greens and blossoms of the chrysanthemum are edible, and they are particularly popular in Japan, China, and Vietnam.

During the Victorian times in the language of flowers, the red chrysanthemum meant "I Love," and the yellow chrysanthemum symbolized slighted love.

In China, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of autumn and the flower of the ninth moon. During the Han dynasty, the Chinese drank chrysanthemum wine - they believed it made their lives longer and made them healthier. As a result, the chrysanthemum was often worn to funerals.

Generally, chrysanthemums symbolize optimism and joy - but they have some unique cultural meanings around the world.

On Mother's Day down under, Australians traditionally wear a white chrysanthemum to honor their moms, and Chrysanthemums are common Mother's Day presents.

In Poland, chrysanthemums are the flower of choice to be placed on graves for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

Chrysanthemums are the November birth flower and the 13th wedding anniversary flower.

In 1966, Mayor Richard Daley declared the chrysanthemum as the official flower of the city of Chicago