Why do French families put chrysanthemums on their graves at Toussaint (All Saints, 1 November)?
The cemetery in Preuilly sur Claise at Toussaint, taken from our spare room window.
Chrysanthemums are a symbol of vitality and longevity in Asia, where they originate, but they have become the essential symbol of mourning in France. In Australia they are associated with Mothers Day. The species behind all the cultivars we see today is Chrysanthemum morifolium.
It is a relatively recent practice, encouraged by Georges Clemenceau in the aftermath of the First World War. Chrysanthemums are robust, and most importantly, covered in flowers at Toussaint. Clemenceau wanted the nation to decorate the memorials to the War dead and their graves. Chrysanthemums were ideal. By 1920 the practice had captured the public imagination and chrysanthemums were placed on any and all graves at Toussaint, effectively by accident.
The florist in Preuilly sur Claise at Toussaint.
Prior to this they were barely known, and certainly not fashionable garden plants. The tradition in the 19th century was to place candles on graves on All Souls Day (2 November).
A village cemetery at Toussaint (Saint Rémy sur Creuse).
Four million households will buy plants and flowers at Toussaint, of which 60% are 20 million pots of chrysanthemums. The City of Paris will cultivate 75 000 chrysanthemums to be placed in municipal flower beds and cemeteries. These days the plant is more associated with brightening up the dreary November streetscapes, so they can also be seen on balconies and terraces, not just associated with remembrance and sorrow.
