Carnations are symbolic of abundance, joy, the arrival of something good, affection, love, distinction, triumph, bravery, delicate feelings, and eternity.
In particular, purple and white carnations are associated with calmness, compassion, open-mindedness, creativity, uniqueness, love, good luck, and good fortune.
The carnation means fascination, distinction, and love. According to a Christian legend, carnations grew from the Virgin Mary's tears as she watched Jesus carry the cross. This is how they became associated with motherly love.
Carnation is the birth flower for those born in the month of January.
Carnation Symbolism & Colors
Carnations grow in a wide variety of colors including pink, white, red, yellow, and scarlet. They are popular flowers for dying, so if you can’t find a natural color you like you can create it! Each color has a different meaning.
White carnations symbolize purity and luck.
Light red carnations symbolize admiration.
Dark red carnations symbolize love and affection.
Pink carnations symbolize gratitude.
Yellow carnations symbolize disappointment or rejection.
Purple carnations symbolize capriciousness.
Traditions and history
In France, purple carnations are the traditional funeral flower.Carnations are given on 1st anniversaries as a sign of love and commitment.They’re the second most popular cut flower after roses.
Carnations are the national flower of Spain and Slovenia.Since Ottoman times, red carnations and tulips are used in the interior wall paintings of mosques in Turkey. It is often said that while tulips represent God, carnations are the symbol for prophet Muhammad .{peace be upon him}
Carnations were mentioned in Greek literature 2,000 years ago. The term dianthus was coined by Greek botanist Theophrastus, and is derived from the Ancient Greek words for divine ("dios") and flower ("anthos"). The name "carnation" is believed to come from the Latin corona-ae, a "wreath, garland,
The formal name for carnation, dianthus, comes from Greek for "heavenly flower", or the flower ofCarnation Cultural Significance.
Carnation in poets
Carnations have inspired many artists, poets, and authors. British composer Joseph Mazzinghi wrote a song entitled “Ye Shepherds Tell Me”, which told of a beautiful girl wearing a wreath of flowers.
A wreath around her head,
Around her head she wore,
Carnation, lily, lily, rose,
And in her hand a crook she bore,
And sweets her breath compose.
Esteemed artist John Singer Sargent was influenced by this song, and created a painting entitled Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose, which depicts two girls playing with lanterns in the garden.
Carnation in cooking
Edible
A spicy, floral taste. Ideal for adding to cakes or for use as decoration. Could be used as a colourful garnish to add to soups or salads.
Carnation overview
Dianthus caryophyllus is also known by the common name carnation. Historically this species has been cultivated for more than 2000 years. It is used medicinally, cosmetically, culinarily and as an insect repellant. The fragrant flowers are a favourite in many gardens, they make lovely cut flowers and are even listed in the top 10 cut flowers of the world, to grow at home!
Special features of Carnation
Nectar attracts butterflies and bees.
HOW TO HARVEST CARNATION
Deadhead flowers to keep this carnation blooming longer. Cutting side flower shoots will encourage the central bud grow into a larger flower.
Description
Dianthus caryophyllus is a herbaceous perennial plant growing up to 80 cm (31+1⁄2 in) tall. The leaves are glaucous greyish green to blue-green, slender, up to 15 cm (6 in) long. The flowers are produced singly or up to five together in a cyme; they are around 3–5 cm (1+1⁄4–2 in) diameter, and sweetly scented; the original natural flower color is bright pinkish-purple, but cultivars of other colors, including red, white, yellow, blue and green, along with some white with colored striped variations have been developed.
SPECIAL FEATURES OF CARNATION
Attracts useful insects
Nectar attracts butterflies and bees.
Attracts birds
Fragrant flowers attract nectar feeders like hummingbirds and insect eating birds too.
Facts about carnation
Purple carnations indicate capriciousness. In France, it is a traditional funeral flower, given in condolence for the death of a loved one.Carnations are often worn on special occasions, especially Mother's Day and weddings. In 1907, Anna Jarvis chose a carnation as the emblem of Mother's Day because it was her mother's favourite flower. This tradition is now observed in the United States and Canada on the second Sunday in May. Ann Jarvis chose the white carnation because she wanted to represent the purity of a mother's love. This meaning has evolved over time, and now a red carnation may be worn if one's mother is alive, and a white one if she has died.
Where carnation found
The wild carnation is found in the Mediterranean countries of Spain, Italy, Croatia, Albania, Greece and Turkey.
