The Chrysanthemum, or Mum, is one of the
most abundant and popular flowers in the world. 
One can trace its origin to the western part
of Russia.  The botanical and the common name
are identical and come from the Latin word
meaning "yellow flower".  Although yellow
Chrysanthemum are among the most common
color, they are available in many different colors
as well as color combination.  The giant version
of the flower is also referred to as a Pom Pom
and is the flower of choice at football games.

Available year-round in a multitude of shapes
and sizes, the Chrysanthemum is a preferred
flower at weddings.  A white variety, the
"Marguerite", was used by French, Italian
and English royalty at weddings to signify that
the choice of bride by the groom was purely
correct.  In the U.S., two varieties with special
meaning names, the "Happy" and the "Funshine",
are frequently chosen for table decorations
and wedding aisle arrangements.

The shapes of the Mum vary from puff-ball
to daisy-like, tubular, and spider-like varieties. 
Even though many different colored Mums
can be obtained from a florist, the hearty
nature of Chrysanthemum makes it possible
for the flowers to be successfully dyed to
match a particular wedding color scheme. 
Except for Mums that are dyed, arrangements
usually last 2 to 3 weeks after the final toast
to the bride and groom.