Carnation flowers are perhaps some of the most widely recognized flowers out there, and they're beautiful as well! Besides being extremely popular, they also represent all of those born in the first month of the year: January.
The scientific name for these flowers is Dianthus, coming from the Greek words “dios,” which refers to the legendary god Zeus, and the word “anthos,” which means “flower.” Thus, carnations are known as “the flowers of God.”
But did you know that carnations have a history dating back more than 2,000 years? Originating in the Mediterranean, they were first cultivated by the Greeks and Romans. These ancient civilizations cherished carnations in art and ceremonies and even used them as medicinal remedies. Fast forward to the Middle Ages and you'll find that monks tended to these flowers in monastery gardens, valuing them for their healing properties and beauty.
As these vibrant blooms traveled, they made their way to Asia, enchanting people in China and Japan with their aesthetic charm. By the Elizabethan age, carnations were highly prized for their fragrance, often appearing in potpourri.
These flowers have maintained their popularity for years on end, at least partly because of the wide variety they come in. They bloom in a wide range of colors, and each different hue represents a different meaning. We're exploring the symbolism of these pretty petals in today's post, as it's the perfect time to get to know the birth flower for January!
The Symbolism of Carnation Flowers
Carnations symbolize different things in different geographical locations and within different cultures. In the United States, carnations are the official flower of Mother's Day, and they are typically worn in corsages and boutonnieres for special events. In Chinese culture, these flowers are the most common flower used in wedding ceremonies. And in Korean culture, carnations are used to foretell the future of young girls. This is done by placing three carnations in a young lady's hair. Then, she must observe which of the three flowers dies first. Should the top flower be the one to perish first, it's said to be an indication that the latter years of the young woman's life will be filled with strife. If, instead, the middle flower is the first to die, it's a foreshadowing that the subject will experience hardship during her younger years. If the lower flower is the first to fade, it's an indication that there will be an abundance of challenges throughout this woman's life.
Meanings by Color
Carnation flowers come in a whole rainbow of colors, which is one of the reasons they are so popular and widely purchased around the world! Here's a breakdown of what each color symbolizes:
- Red: Deep love and admiration toward the recipient
- Deep Red: Romantic love
- Pink: A mother's love and gratitude
- White: Pure love, friendship, and good luck
- Yellow: Disappointment, rejection, or sorrow
- Purple: Royalty
- Green: Associated with the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day
Additionally, due to their long-lasting blooms, carnations represent enduring love across cultures. As you can see, carnations don't discriminate when it comes to their meaning and significance across the board.
Botanical Characteristics of Carnation Flowers
Carnations can be used to relieve stress, fatigue, depression, insomnia, and even some hormonal imbalances found in females. These birth flowers for January are also used in massage oils as well as in products that treat skin irritations and that work to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Fascinating Historical and Cultural Facts About Carnations
- The Green Carnation and LGBTQ+ History: The green carnation is one of the most iconic symbols in LGBTQ+ history. In 1892, the legendary playwright Oscar Wilde asked actors and friends to wear green carnations at the opening night of his play "Lady Windermere's Fan." This gesture became a subtle symbol among Parisian gay men to signal their identity to others.
- Victorian Symbolism: In Victorian times, striped or variegated carnations held a unique meaning. They were sometimes associated with a refusal or a message that conveyed "I cannot be with you," communicating sentiments without the need for words.
- The Carnation Revolution: On April 25, 1974, Lisbon, Portugal, witnessed the Carnation Revolution, marking the country's transition from dictatorship to democracy. During this peaceful coup, demonstrators celebrated by distributing carnations to soldiers, which led to the event's floral name.
What Are the Best January Birth Flower Gifts?
Here's how you can incorporate carnations into unforgettable presents for someone born in January:
- Floral Arrangements: Create a stunning bouquet featuring carnations. The vibrant colors and delicate nature of these flowers symbolize love and admiration, making them perfect for celebrating a January birthday.
- Botanical-Themed Home Décor: Help them bring the beauty of January’s flowers indoors with botanical art prints or decorative wreaths or garlands featuring carnations.
- Scented Candles or Essential Oils: Choose carnation-scented candles or essential oils to evoke emotional warmth, perfect for the chilly month of January.
To add a special touch, include a note explaining the symbolism behind the gift. Whether it's happiness, fascination, or hope, conveying the deeper meaning of these flowers makes the present even more meaningful.
These flowers are more than just a pretty face! Carnations are a versatile flower that have a range of meanings, have a presence in many cultures, and are symbolic of several holidays, too. Use these in your floral arrangements, give them in a bouquet to a loved one, or enjoy them by themselves and you'll love the look and meaning behind them!
