Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1900-01-06
JAPaN,s cRYsANTHEMuM.
A National Authority Writes Concerning
Its Origin.

National Authority Writes Concerning
Its Origin.
James Morton. who has spent years
In the culture Of the chrysanthemum
and ia the national authority on its
culture and history has written the
following concerning its oriental sta.
tus:
There are good reasons for suppos-
ing that the chrysanthemum was cul.
tivated with much devotion by the gar
deners Of both China and Japan for
centuries before It's importation into
Europe. A well known traveller in
those countries tells us In one OF his
works that $50 great favor1te iS the
chrysanthemum with The Chinese gar
deners that NO persuasion will deter
them from its culture, and they will
frequently resie their situations rar
Their than be forbidden by their en-
ployers to grow it." In support OF this
statement he relates the experience
Of an English resident in that coun.
try, who, without the slightest inter
est in the plant was compelled to al
low his native gardener the pleasure
of cultivating it solely on that &C
count. The Chinese often train the
chrysanthemum into curious and ran
tastic forms such as pagodas, horses
stays. ships. etc. Another peculiar
method of culture practiced at Chea-
yuen, where it is extensively culti-
waited, is the grating of cuttings into
stout stems of Artemisia indica as
stock. Among the Japanese the chrys-
anthemum is no less priced than in
China, and they display great skill In
It's culture, calling it the Queen OF
Flowers. At the most popular OF the
Japanese festivals the people display
etfigies of their traditional heroes con-
structed Of massive chrysanthemum
blossoms Benkei. the japanese Her.
sules. appearing gorgeosuly appareled
in white, yellow and purple pompons.
In many other ways the Chinese and
Japanese reveal their love for this
plant, but probably in no more appar-
ent and lasting manner than by apply
ing the talent of their most skillful ar
lists to portray its fair form and vivid
coloring on their pottery and house
hold fabrics, as well as in numberlesa
illustrated books and pamphlets.
In Japan the Imperial Order of the
Chrysanthemum is the most distin-
guished decoration Of the empire. II
was founded in 1876. and consists of
a staI and collar hung around the neck
by riband. the whole work being 10
gold, silver and enamels. Bestowed,
with rare exceptions. only upon royal
personages it is consequently con-
sldered very high distinction among
European sovereigns who have been
wearers Of this mark Of the Mikado'a
favor. The chrysanthemum, or Xxi.
ku," as it is called in Japan, is alse
one Of the crest badges of the imperi.
al family. and is used as an official
seal. The hits If the swords forged
by the Enpero. Go Toba, who as.
ku figured upon then,
The chrysantneMum season In ia.
pan is looked forward to with much
pleasure. and the different communi.
ties manifest the greatest enthusiasm
In its culture. A certain day is SET
apart as festival. when all turn out
to pay due homage to their national |
emblem, the many-hued chrysanthe-
mum. During their blooming period |
the gardens Of all the prominent for.
lists present an exhibition of great
beauty. Each evening for many
weeks the notables OF rank, as we'll as
the peasants in holiday attire join in
the happy festivities. The fetes are
always held in the evenings and the |
grounds are beautifully illuminated,
presenting scene brilliant beyond |
description. His Majesty also opens
his gardens at the imperial palace ON !
this grand fete day. All the highest
native officials and foreign residents
of distinction are present and invita-
tons are highly priced and much
sought after. It is one Of the few &C.
casions when the Empress is to be
seen in public. She delights in having
the most dainty handkerchiefs Of
gauze embroidered in chrysanthe-
NUNS of all colors. Her ladies of
honor also appear in gorgeous dresses
with chrysanthemums worked upon
them. Upon this occasion the dis
play Of the national flower is said to
be unequaled. Nowhere can they be
FOUND in such profusion, so fully de-
veloped and brilliant in color, while
the rich imperial violet silk with
which the tents and buildings are
draped bear upon them the heraldic
k1ku in all its pristine loneliness. AS
the day draws to close the people re-
turn to their homes to complete the
slow process of intoxication by drink
ing Saki. into which are thrown the
blooms of chrysanthemums, which,
hey suppose. will preserve them from
Evil the coming year.