CARNATION, JANUARY BIRTH FLOWER

Carnation is a January birth flower. It has a varied and rich history filled with symbolism. It is also thought to be one of the oldest cultivated flowers in the world. While the original carnation was cultivated in pink and peach, today’s carnations one can find from pure white and shades of pink and red to green, yellow and purple with many striped or variegated variants.

Carnation Etymological Meaning

The carnation’s scientific name, Dianthus, comes from a combination of two Latin words: “dios,” meaning gods, and “anthos,” meaning flower. Carnations are referred to as the flowers of the gods.

One of the theories was that the Carnation was named for coronation, since the carnations were used to make ceremonial crowns in Greece. The name could come from "carnis" meaning "flesh," referring to the flesh color of the flower.

Another idea is that the carnation became the "carnation" from "incarnacyon" or "incarnation." The incarnation of God made flesh...and so that "flesh" named the carnation.

Carnation Color Meanings

While all carnations symbolize love and affection, the color of the flower also carries meaning. Consider it before sending carnations to someone you love:

White carnation suggests pure love and good luck. Also it shows innocence.

Light red carnation means admiration, while dark red represents deep love and affection.

Pink carnations show that the sender will never forget the receiver. Another meaning of this color is mother’s undying love.

Yellow carnation flowers mean disappointment or rejection.

Purple carnations imply capriciousness. triped carnation means rejection or regret. Also it means "sorry I can't be with you".

Carnation Symbolic Meanings

Weddings and Love. The carnation, like the rose, is a flower associated with weddings and love.

Valentine's Day. This flower competes with the rose at Valentine's Day thanks to variety of colors and harmonic combination with other flowers in bouquets.

Mother's Day. On Mother’s day it has been a tradition to wear either a red carnation symbolizing a mother that is alive, or wear a white carnation symbolizing a mother that has passed on.

St. Patrick's Day. Green carnation is a symbol of St. Patrick's Day. Traditionally people give green carnations on St. Patrick’s Day to friends, family and to that someone special.

Ohio State Flower. This sweetly fragrant flower is also the state flower of Ohio. The state legislature chose the red carnation to honor President William McKinley, an Ohioan, who was assassinated in 1901. McKinley liked to wear red carnations stuck in his buttonhole on the lapel of his jacket.

1st Wedding Anniversary. Carnations have long been representative of young, passionate love. Legend has it that a fresh bouquet made from the lovely carnation would cause immediate and lasting love.

Among other things carnation flower is a long lasting flower, that combines extraordinary beauty and nice scent. Perfectly for any occasion, is an excellent gift for mom, wife, sister, grandmother, aunt, and girlfriend. Send the ones you love to convey your feelings!