November's Flower: Chrysanthemum Commonly called "mums" or "tansies," this popular perennial's name comes from the Greek chrysos (gold) and anthos (flower). First exhibited in England in 1795, chrysanthemums have been growing in China for more than 2,500 years. According to Chinese Feng Shui, chrysanthemums bring happiness into your home. In Japan, the flower symbolizes the sun; its Imperial Crest features a golden chrysanthemum with sixteen petals. In Germany, white chrysanthemums displayed in homes on Christmas Eve signify angels.