Over the years and decades, or even centuries, the flowers of Carnations have been popularly recognized throughout the world. This is because of its extraordinary beauty and appeal among all types of flowers and because of the symbolisms these flowers are known for.
Love You Mom
Even until now, Carnations are highly favored for romantic bouquets, special flower arrangements, wedding flowers, birthday bouquets, and Mother’s Day bouquets. If you are starting to like the flowers of Carnations, here are 10 interesting facts for you to know and become more fascinated with this flower:
1. Historic
Dated back 2,000 years ago, the rich history of Carnations makes it one interesting flower. The Ancient Romans, as well as Ancient Greece, revered this flower in the early time because it was the “flower of the gods” for them. Looking back to the rich history, it only proves that Carnation is one of the oldest flowers ever cultivated throughout the world.
Another story is told about the Carnation flower is that the Virgin Mary sheds her tears upon seeing the Lord Jesus hanging on the cross. The tears that fell down on the ground were believed to have caused the beautiful flowers to sprout, and the flowers were called Carnations.
In 1907, pink Carnation was declared as the emblem of the Mother’s Day celebration, and this was observed all throughout the world, especially in Canada and the United States of America since then.
2. Colorful
The natural colors of Carnations are pink and pinkish purples. But because of the successful cultivation since the early times, Carnations are available in almost all colors found in a rainbow.
There are blooms in red, orange, yellow, pink, green, white, cream, and more. Deep blue and purple Carnations are also found after genetic engineering was applied.
In addition, the color of Carnations can be altered. By simply soaking the stems of the Carnations in a mixture of water and food coloring for 24 hours, the petals of the flower will change its color. Dyed Carnations are among the favorites for bridal bouquets and wedding flowers.
3. Useful
The flowers of Carnations are useful to treat different ailments like skin problems, hair loss, muscle pain and tension, and more. Although there has been no proof of the effectiveness of the treatment, native people were positive about it.
Moreover, Carnations are also used to make perfumes, making this flower even more favored in the world.
4. Meaningful
With a term derived from the Latin word “Dianthus,” which means the “flower of the gods,” Carnations are definitely meaningful. In fact, each color of Carnations means a thing. Red Carnations are symbolic of true love while white ones mean purity.
Pink Carnation denotes a mother’s love and devotion and yellow blooms are meant to express disappointment. Purple blooms, on the other hand, are used to mean capriciousness and green blooms speak of nature.
5. Edible
The flowers of Carnations are edible. They can be used as salad toppings or as decorative pieces for cakes and desserts. Carnations are also used to have a different flavor of beer or wine and they are a perfect spice for specific foods.
Although Carnation flowers and plants are dangerous to pets, humans can freely eat their petals. The sweet taste and the spicy scent both give that flavorful taste.
6. Fragrant
Carnations have a unique spicy scent that is not common in many types of flowers. They have a scent that resembles or comes close to the scent of cloves. The long-lasting blooms of the flowers emit such a fragrance that you will love to smell.
If you find it difficult and hard to grow sweet-scented Roses in your garden, growing Carnations as one of your flower gardens will surely give you the scent you love. In addition to that, the extract from its flowers is also added as an ingredient for skin cream.
7. Symbolic
Aside from the meaning associated with the flowers of Carnations, they are also symbolic. Carnations symbolize several countries like Spain and Slovenia, as well as Monaco. The State of Ohio also uses the flower as its symbol. These flowers also symbolize different sororities and fraternities in the world.
On the other hand, Carnations are also symbolic of death and grief. In France, this flower is the traditional flower for condolences and sympathy.
8. Commercially Produced
Carnations are commercially produced because they are easy to grow and they are beautiful. This delicate flower is commercially cultivated and produced in Bogota, Colombia and in parts of Spain, Kenya, Israel, Colorado, and southern California. Some species of Carnations are grown as perennial while some are annual. Perennial Carnation plants can live up to 2 years or more and their blooms are durable enough to withstand 14 days in a flower vase.
9. Award-Winning
Carnations earned world recognition as they were used to create the largest in the world for a flower awareness ribbon. The 105,000 pieces of pink Carnations were used to form the flower ribbon to raise breast cancer awareness throughout the world. Because of this, this flower was on record in the Guinness World Records.
10. Used to Honor a President
Since 1904, the flower of Carnations was declared as the state flower of Ohio. More than that, this declaration was done in honor of the late President William McKinley who was an Ohioan. He was remembered to always wear red Carnations on his lapel and jackets whenever he was seen in public places.
