National Carnation Day

Vibrant bouquet of carnations, surrounded by smiling people in spring dresses, enjoying a picnic in a beautiful garden.. — National carnation day illustration

Hey there, flower lovers! Get ready to celebrate National Carnation Day, a delightful occasion dedicated to the vibrant and versatile carnation. Whether you're a fan of its stunning beauty or its fragrant aroma, this day is all about appreciating this floral treasure.

When is Carnation Day?

It's national carnation day on the 29th January.

The Language of Carnations

Did you know that carnations have their own secret language? That's right, these lovely blooms have special meanings associated with their colors. Red carnations symbolize love and admiration, while pink ones represent affection and gratitude. White carnations are often associated with purity and luck, making them a popular choice for weddings and christenings. And if you receive a yellow carnation, it's a sign of disappointment or rejection. Ouch!

A Blossoming History

The origins of National Carnation Day can be traced back to the heyday of the internet. It all started with a group of passionate flower enthusiasts who wanted to share their love for carnations online. They created a website dedicated to this glorious flower and declared January 29th as National Carnation Day.

Since then, the celebration has blossomed, with people from all around the world joining in to honor the beauty and significance of carnations. Flower shops offer special deals on bouquets, enthusiasts exchange tips and pictures on social media, and enthusiasts share stories and memories of their favorite carnation moments.

A Delicate Reminder

On National Carnation Day, it's the perfect time to surprise your loved ones with a bouquet of their favorite-colored carnations. Whether it's a romantic gesture, a token of gratitude, or a simple act of kindness, these vibrant blooms are sure to bring joy and brighten anyone's day. Remember, it's the thought that counts, so don't worry if you're not a master florist!

History behind the term 'Carnation'

Ancient Rome (2nd century BCE)

Introduction of the term 'carnation'

The term 'carnation' has its origins in ancient Rome, where it was known as 'coronationem' or 'corone' in Latin. The term derived from the Greek word 'dianthus,' which means 'flower of the gods.' Carnations were widely appreciated for their aromatic fragrance and vibrant colors, making them popular in various celebrations and ceremonies.

77 AD

Introduction to the Carnation

The history of the term 'carnation' dates back to the ancient Roman period. The word 'carnation' is derived from the Latin word 'carnis,' which means flesh-color or incarnation, as the original flowers had a pinkish hue. These flowers were introduced to Rome from Greece and were primarily used for decorative purposes.

79 AD

Ancient Greek Mythology

In ancient Greek mythology, there is a tale about the creation of the carnation flower. According to the myth, the flowers bloomed from the tears of the Greek gods when they witnessed the death of Adonis, the mortal lover of the goddess Aphrodite. The name 'carnation' is believed to originate from the Greek words 'dios' meaning divine, and 'anthos' meaning flower, symbolizing the divine beauty of the flower.

1533

Introduction in Europe

Carnations were introduced to Europe in the 16th century through trade routes from the Middle East. The vibrant colors and delicate nature of the flower quickly captivated the people of Europe, and they soon became popular among nobility and high society. In fact, they were a favorite flower of King Henry VIII of England, who adorned his clothing and portraits with carnations.

15th century

Expansion of carnations' popularity in Europe

During the 15th century, carnations gained significant popularity in Europe, particularly in France and England. They became a symbol of love, fascination, and distinction, often adorning bouquets and gardens. The term 'carnation' started to be widely used during this period, replacing the previous Latin and Greek terms.

16th Century

Cultural Symbolism

During the 16th century, the carnation became widely recognized for its fragrance, beauty, and unique ruffled petals. The flower gained popularity throughout Europe and was favored by artists, poets, and writers who often incorporated it into their works. Carnations also held cultural significance in many countries, such as England, France, and Spain, where they were used for decorative purposes and represented love, fascination, and distinction.

1907

Symbol of Mother's Day

The carnation gained further significance in 1907 when Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother's Day, chose it as the official flower of the holiday. She believed carnations represented the pure love and affection of a mother. On Mother's Day, people started giving their mothers white carnations to honor them, while red carnations were worn to symbolize a living mother and white carnations for those who had passed away.

19th century

Development of new carnation varieties

In the 19th century, horticulturists dedicated their efforts to developing new varieties of carnations. This era saw the introduction of striped and fringed carnations, adding even more diversity to the already beloved flower. Carnations became popular cut flowers and were frequently used in floral arrangements and corsages.

1907

The National Emblem

In 1907, the carnation was officially designated as the national emblem of Ohio, United States. This recognition was a result of its popularity and significance in the state. Ohioans embraced the carnation due to its hardiness, variety of colors, and long-lasting blooms. The connection between carnations and Ohio continues to this day, with the state celebrating Carnation Day on January 29th.

Early 20th century

Symbolism of carnations

Carnations gained symbolic meanings during the early 20th century. White carnations became associated with purity and innocence, often worn on Mother's Day. Red carnations symbolized admiration and deep love, while pink carnations represented gratitude and affection. These symbolic meanings further elevated the cultural significance of carnations.

1911

Mother's Day Tradition

Carnations have a special association with Mother's Day. The tradition of gifting carnations on Mother's Day originated in the United States in 1911 when Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother's Day, chose the carnation as the official flower for the occasion. She selected this flower as a symbol of purity, love, and the enduring nature of a mother's love. On Mother's Day, it became customary to wear a red or pink carnation to honor living mothers and a white carnation to honor deceased mothers.

1912

Official State Flower

In 1912, Ohio became the first state in the United States to adopt the carnation as its official state flower. This selection was due to the influence of William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, who was born in Ohio. The carnation was chosen to honor McKinley, as he frequently wore a red carnation on his lapel as a good luck charm.

1986

Genetically Modified Carnations

In 1986, the first commercially available genetically modified flower was introduced, and it was a carnation. Scientists genetically modified the carnation to possess extended bloom time and enhanced color variations. This breakthrough in genetic engineering opened up new possibilities for flower breeding and customization, impacting not only the carnation industry but also the field of biotechnology.

Modern times

Carnations as a national flower

Carnations hold the honor of being the national flower of several countries worldwide. For example, the red carnation is the national flower of Spain, while the pink carnation represents the United States. This status as a national flower signifies the enduring cultural impact and continued popularity of carnations.

Did you know?

Did you know that some carnations can be used in cooking? While not all varieties are edible, certain types of carnations are used to add a unique flavor and vibrant color to dishes like salads, desserts, and beverages. So next time you want to impress your guests, consider adding a sprinkle of carnation petals to your culinary creations!