Birth flower for October 1
Osmanthus
Meaning: nobility, good fortune
Chinese legend says an osmanthus tree grows on the moon, endlessly chopped by a woodcutter named Wu Gang, so the flower is tied to Mid-Autumn moon-gazing. Passing the imperial exams was once called "plucking the osmanthus." The tiny blossoms pack an apricot-like perfume and flavor teas, wine and sweets. In Japan, the orange kinmokusei is said to have arrived from China in the Edo period.