Carnations are perennial flowers that belong to the Caryophyllaceae family and have existed for more than 2,000 years. These eternal, ruffled, fluffy, and delicate flowers are among the most beautiful flowers you will encounter. And along with its enchanting beauty and musky, clove-like fragrance, what needs special mention is the depth of meanings and symbolism these flowers carry. If you are also fascinated by these amazing flowers. Read this blog to know what meanings & symbols these flowers hold in storage for us.
History & Origin of Carnations that Lived 2,000 Years
The resilient and reverent carnations are native to the Mediterranean regions, and Bogota is known to produce the most carnations in the world. The reference to carnations dates back to Greek times. And regarding its origin, it is believed that carnations bloomed from the Virgin Mary’s tears, which is why they are also seen as a symbol of a mother’s love.
Since Elizabethan times, these flowers have been used to make teas and spiced wine. They are known to have medicinal properties and are traditionally used to treat a range of skin conditions, fevers, aches, coughs, anxiety & inflammation. Today, their uses range from decor and fragrances to essential oils.
Some Amazing Facts About Carnations
The timeless and delicate carnation flowers are one of the most versatile flowers, and the amazing facts associated with them will truly fascinate you. Let’s have a quick look at them.
- The carnation’s scientific name is Dianthus, which translates to Flowers of God or divine flower. The name is known to have been coined by the Greek botanist Theophrastus.
- Carnations are the official January birth flowers, representing their warm, strong-willed, and ambitious nature. If you have a January-born friend, you must buy them happy birthday flowers.
- The sweet & delicate carnations also have a sweet connection with academia. The Oxford students wear a white carnation on their first exam, a red one on the last, and a pink one in between.
- Did you know that carnations are the National flowers? Yes, they are. These delicate flowers hold great national importance & are the National flowers of Spain, Monaco, & Slovenia.
- Carnations are traditionally used to celebrate the first wedding anniversary. These flowers are known for new beginnings and passionate love, and are apt for cherishing the first year of a couple’s relationship & marriage.
What Meanings & Symbolism do these Ruffled Flowers hold?
Carnations are among the richest flowers not only in types, species, and colours, but also in their meanings and symbolism. These soft and eternal flowers have always been associated with symbols of love and fascination, but confining them to these meanings alone would be unfair. Let’s go deeper into what these flowers truly hold in themselves
Carnations Across Colours
Carnations are among the flowers that have the widest variety of colours. And so much so, they vary in colour, their meanings and symbols across colours vary a lot, too. With every colour of carnation, we experience different emotions, feelings, and meanings. Let’s have a look at what different coloured carnations mean.
- Pink Carnations: They are known for maternal love, and the pink carnation meaning is also connected to gratitude, special bonds, and fondness.
- White Carnations: The white carnations’ meaning is associated with purity, innocence, sincerity, unconditional love, family events, and good luck. Making them the best choice to buy flowers for special social occasions.
- Yellow Carnations: The carnations are not only known for love & passion, but the yellow carnation meanings go beyond this, as they symbolise regret, rejection, and disappointment.
- Orange Carnations: Orange carnations’ meanings are connected with energy, enthusiasm, fascination, and the celebration of achievements, making them perfect flowers to order for corporate events.
- Red Carnations: They are one of the most readily available colours of carnations. The red carnations’ meaning is related to love, passion, admiration, and romantic feelings.
- Purple Carnations: Purple carnations’ meaning is often associated with capriciousness, a unique personality, and heartfelt apology.
- Green Carnations: Yes, carnations come in green colours too, and these amazing flowers are a symbol of renewal, hope, good luck, harmony, good wishes. wealth, and prosperity.
Carnations’ Symbolism in Various Cultures & Nations
From being national flowers to being used for various purposes & celebrations, the vibrant carnations hold rich symbolism across nations and cultures. For instance, in China, they are among the most popular choices among couples to purchase for wedding flowers.
French people use purple carnations at funerals, and in the Netherlands, people offer white carnations as a sign of remembrance for the soldiers who lost their lives in World War II. In Christianity, pink carnations are associated with the Virgin Mary & in Korea, red and pink carnations are presented to parents as a sign of love & gratitude.
Carnations as a Rebellious & Mourning Flower
During the Carnation Revolution of 1974 in Portugal, people wore red carnations to show their resistance to the dictatorship and to stand for their unity and liberty. From then on, these flowers were not limited to mere floral connotations but were revered as a symbol of rebellion.
The green carnations were also worn by Oscar Wilde to express his nonconformity, attaching to these flowers the connotations of rebellion and individuality. And because of their symbolism of purity, peace, admiration, and respect, these flowers are widely used at funerals, making them mourning flowers.
Symbolic Significance of Carnations as Gifts
Today, carnations are widely used to express emotions by presenting these amazing flowers to loved ones. If you are looking for a great gift idea for Valentines day, carnations can be a very good choice. Carnations are a symbol of motherly love and unwavering commitment to children, which is why these flowers are a common gift among children to show their affection for their mothers.
In Korea, they are given to parents on Parents’ Day as a way to show love & respect. Carnations are the zodiac birth flower of Sagittarius, so if you have a friend who is sagittarius you must gift them these flowers. These flowers are also a traditional gift for anniversaries and are given on graduations.
Why Florists Love Carnations & How to Plant & Care for One Yourself
Carnations are one of the most beautiful pink flowers among florists and flower lovers alike. Because these flowers are durable, require less care, and come in a range of colours, florists love to plant them in gardens. And for people who just want to add a little more beauty & meaning to their space, carnations are a perfect choice. Have a look at how you can plant & care for them.
- You can plant carnations in various ways, such as by cuttings, sowing seeds, and repotting. If you are sowing, ensure you keep adequate spacing between them.
- The best time for you to plant your carnations, whether in your home or garden, is autumn and spring.
- For your carnations to grow properly, you need to take care that they get adequate sunlight. Plant them in a spot that gets morning sunlight & partial shade in the afternoon, as the afternoon sun can fade their colour.
- These plants require well-drained, fertile & alkaline soil to thrive. As for watering, they don’t require much; just ensure consistent watering during the flowering phase.
- They don’t require much fertilisation; just a slow-release liquid fertiliser during the growing phase is enough.
- Prune your carnation plants regularly, remove dead leaves and flowers to help them thrive, and extend their flowering period.
Conclusion
Among the lovely roses and bright sunflowers, people underestimate these whispering, timeless, and eternal carnations. Thus, this blog was meant to reflect on how amazing and deep the meanings and symbolism of these carnations are. Making them a perfect choice to gift, plant, and keep in your house.
If you are planning to get these amazing flowers for your loved ones to cherish them, or to enhance the aesthetics of your space, you must get them from Southside Blooms. We provide you with the most beautiful, fresh flowers, delivered right to you, at the best prices with no extra shipping charges.
FAQs
What Does The Carnation Flower Symbolize?
Carnation flowers are a symbol of love, distinction, fascination, and gratitude. However, with varying carnations’ colours, you will find different meanings associated with them.
Why Is The Carnation The January Flower?
Carnations are known for their resilience and ability to bloom in harsh conditions. These flowers bloom in January and share many characteristics with people born in January, which is why they are traditionally known as January birth flowers.
Which Is More Expensive, A Rose Or A Carnation?
Roses are generally more expensive than carnations. Carnations, compared to them, are more economical. Thus, if you are on a budget, a carnation bouquet will be a better choice for conveying your feelings.
What Flower Means “Rejected Love”?
Unlike the flowery, sweet connotations, yellow carnations are known to symbolize rejected love. Thus, if present with yellow carnations, it means your love request has been rejected.
Which President Wore A Red Carnation?
Red carnations are not only about love and passion; these flowers are also considered a good luck charm. President William McKinley wore red carnations on his lapel as a symbol of good luck.
Who Wore A Green Carnation?
Oscar Wilde and a bunch of his friends wore green carnations to express their nonconformity and individuality. These flowers later became really popular and came to represent gay identity.
What Colour Carnation Represents Friendship?
Pink carnations often represent friendship, affection, cheerfulness, and platonic love. Unlike the red ones that embody passion, the pink ones are softer and are seen as representing unwavering and loyal friendships.
What Does Giving someone Two Red Carnations Mean?
Red carnations are extremely rich in meaning and symbolism, and the numbers enhance their meanings even more. For instance, if you present someone with two red carnations, it symbolizes deep love, admiration, and your truly heartfelt affection towards that person.
