Carnations   
 


 

Carnations


Carnations are often worn and flaunted on special occasions, especially Mother's Day and weddings. These flowers were referred to as "Jove's Flowers" in ancient Rome. This was to pay tribute to one of their beloved gods. In many parts of the world the red and pink carnations are used for expressing love and gratitude toward parents on Parents Day, Mother's Day and Father's Day.
Sometimes, you see people wear a corsage of carnations on their left lapels, especially on Parents Day. The flower also honors teachers on Teacher's Day. Students, past and present, express their admiration and gratitude to their teachers with carnations. The name carnation is synonymous with 'admiration','love' and 'gratitude'.

The carnation is also the symbol of love, fascination, and distinction. The light red carnations represent admiration, while the dark red denote deep love and affection. White carnations are synonymous with pure love and good luck, while the striped variety symbolize a regret, a love cannot be shared. Green carnations are ussually flaunted on St. Patrick's Day, while the purple carnations indicate capriciousness.

Pink carnations enjoy the most symbolic and historical significance among all the colors of carnations available. According to a popular Christian legend, carnations first appeared as Jesus carried the cross to Mount Calvary. While his blessed mother, Mary shed tears at Jesus' plight, carnations sprang up from where her tears fell! This is why the pink carnation is considered a symbol of a mother's undying love. In 1907 it was chosen as the emblem of Mother's Day, which is widely celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

Carnations are known to be delicate, durable, and delightful flowers, all in one. The carnation is scientifically known as Dianthus caryophyllus and is a historically rich and meaningful flower. Its scientific name dianthus is known to translate to "flower of love" or "flower of the gods", depending on the source.

The carnation flower is one that has been revered for centuries, all over the world. It is also one of the world's oldest cultivated flowers and is widely appreciated for its ruffled appearance, clove-like scent, and extended blooming period.

Research has revealed that the name carnation comes from the word "coronation" or "corone" or flower garlands. This is because it was one of the flowers used in Greek ceremonial crowns. There are those also who think that the name stems from the Latin "carnis" for flesh, which refers to the original colour of the flower. There is yet another theory that the name comes from incarnacyon or incarnation, which refers to the incarnation of 'God made flesh'.

The carnation is also the symbol of love, fascination, and distinction. The light red carnations represent admiration, while the dark red denote deep love and affection. White carnations are synonymous with pure love and good luck, while the striped variety symbolize a regret, a love cannot be shared.