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The carnation — originally called
dianthus by the Greek botanist Theopharastus — is native to the
Near East and has been cultivated for the last 2,000 years. Some
scholars believe that the name "carnation" comes from "coronation" or
"corone" (flower garlands), as it was one of the flowers used in Greek
ceremonial crowns. Others think the name stems from the Greek
carnis (flesh), which refers to the original color of the flower,
or incarnacyon (incarnation), which refers to the incarnation
of God made flesh. Sentiment & Symbolism
Carnations were known as "Jove's Flower" in
ancient Rome as a tribute to one of their beloved gods. In Korea, a
young girl places three carnations in her hair to tell her fortune. If
the top flower dies first, her last years of life will be difficult;
if it's the middle flower, her earlier years will bring the most
grief. Worst of all, if the bottom flower dies first, the poor girl
will be miserable her whole life!
Color Messages
For the most part, carnations express love,
fascination, and distinction. Light red carnations represent
admiration, while dark red denote deep love and affection. White
carnations indicate pure love and good luck; striped symbolize a
regret that a love cannot be shared. Green carnations are for St.
Patrick's Day; purple carnations indicate capriciousness.
Pink carnations have the most symbolic and
historical significance. According to Christian legend, carnations
first appeared on Earth as Jesus carried the Cross. The Virgin Mary
shed tears at Jesus' plight, and carnations sprang up from where her
tears fell. Thus he 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. |
