Portland, Ore. – Grown in Japan since the 8th century, the chrysanthemum is the official flower of Japan, and along with the Japanese maple, it is considered the quintessential symbol of autumn and a constant motif in literature and art. The highest Order of Chivalry is called the Order of the Chrysanthemum, and the Imperial crest features a 16-petalled chrysanthemum. Kiku Matsuri, the Chrysanthemum Festival, honors this beloved flower and is the fifth of the cycle of five annual Go-Sekku festivals in the traditional Japanese calendar. More…