Carnation

Color Message

Red Carnations convey life, deep love and affection. White Carnations speak of purity, and a Green Carnation worn on Saint Patrick's Day could be the lucky ticket. Pink Carnations have the most symbolic and historical significance. According to Christian legend, Carnations first appeared on Earth as Jesus carried the Cross he would later be crucified upon. It was at that time his mother Mary shed tears at His plight and Carnations sprang up from where her tears fell. Thus the Pink Carnation became the symbol of a mother's undying love, and in 1907 was chosen by Ann Jarvis as the emblem of Mother's Day, now observed in the United States and Canada on the second Sunday in May.

History and Lore about the Carnation

Historically, Carnations were worn by both men and women, because of their fragrance, to compensate for body odor. In fact corsages as we know them today had their origins with aristocratic men who held clusters of fragrant flowers to provide a pleasant aroma at business and social affairs during Victorian Times.

The Carnation is the official flower of Mother's Day. It is a fragrant to very fragrant flower originally from the Near East. Some believe the common name of Carnation is derived from the word meaning "coronation" as it was a flower used in ceremonial crowns of Greek rulers.

Once Mother's Day was invented after the turn of the 19th century Carnations were worn by women on Mother's Day to honor their mothers. A red Carnation signified one had a living mother and a white signified one who had a mother who was no longer living.

Interesting Facts about the Carnation

Today, Carnations do not have the respect they once had. They have lost their predominance in the marketplace to more exotic flowers and to roses which are more readily available and affordable. Don't overlook Carnations, however, as there are hundreds of varieties, colors and cultivars and they can add a beautiful if not traditional element to your next bouquet. Too, Carnations are usually well priced and make an excellent choice for the do it your selfer.

Carnations should be fragrant, turgid and opaque. The stems should be smooth. Pebbled stems indicate age. Carnations should be purchased when color shows to fully open.

Carnations lend themselves to formal or informal arranging. Carnations can be arranged singly in a vase or in mass in a basket or vase. If arranged with there stems clipped short and the heads close together they have a cloudlike look. Carnations are suitable for use in mixed bouquets with other flowers. They are suitable for use as corsages.

The consumer should expect carnations to last for 2 to 3 weeks in the home if properly prepared by the florist and provided the consumer keeps the carnations in fresh water.

Carnation were taken to England by a botanist in the 18th century and their popularity quickly spread and remains strong today. The french have developed some of today's most popular hybrids.

Carnation were known to native americans who used the root as a diuretic and cleanser of toxins.