From the pattern:

When winter winds blow snow across the fields and vibrant flowers have long since faded, the ghosts of chrysanthemums remind us of the coming spring. These mittens are a stylized interpretation of the chrysanthemum, which even on a chilly day will warm your hands with its delicate bloom.

ERRATA: The last increase in the thumb gusset is shown on the chart as a dot. This should be treated as a regular make 1 increase (M).