The 1st November is All Saints day, and it’s a bank holiday. The 2nd of November is the day of the dead. To celebrate all Saints day, French people put Chrysanthéme flowers (Chrysanthemum flower) on the tomb of their loved ones that have passed away. This tradition started after the first world war when a famous general called Clemenceau ask French people to flower the tomb of the fallen soldiers.
This flower is chosen as it survives frost better than others.
Even though this flower is beautiful, it would be very wrong to offer this flower to someone who is alive!!
Some friends of mine (British) were invited to their French neighbour for dinner and offered some to the lady of the house who was very surprised!!and not amused!