The carnation, known scientifically as Dianthus caryophyllus, stands as one of the world’s most enduring and widely cultivated flowers, boasting a history that spans more than 2,000 years. Its distinctive ruffled petals, subtle clove-like fragrance, and impressive longevity have cemented its place in human culture across continents and eras. Revered since antiquity, this bloom moved from the Mediterranean region to become a global symbol communicating deep and nuanced emotions. Its true significance lies in the layers of meaning attached to its form and, most importantly, its color.
The Origin and Foundational Meanings
The scientific name for the carnation, Dianthus, translates from ancient Greek as the “Flower of God” or “Divine Flower,” derived from “dios” (divine) and “anthos” (flower). The species name, caryophyllus, refers to its fragrance, which is reminiscent of the spice clove, giving the flower the common name “clove pink.”
The carnation’s significance dates back to ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, where its use was primarily ceremonial. These cultures incorporated the blooms into crowns, garlands, and wreaths for religious rituals, victory celebrations, and festive decorations. The common name “carnation” may derive from the Latin word corona, meaning “crown” or “garland,” reflecting its use in these ancient rites.
Before the modern focus on color-specific meanings, the carnation held a universal symbolism of profound love, admiration, and distinction. Its long-lasting nature and hardiness symbolized enduring affection and devotion, making it a powerful vehicle for expressing deep, heartfelt sentiments.
Interpreting Carnation Color Symbolism
The most complex and widely recognized aspect of the carnation is the specific symbolism assigned to its various hues, a tradition formalized during the Victorian era’s “language of flowers.” This color-coding allows the flower to convey a wide spectrum of emotions.
Pink carnations represent gratitude and a mother’s undying love. This sentiment is often attributed to a Christian legend claiming the first pink carnations bloomed where the Virgin Mary’s tears fell. The pink bloom is a powerful symbol of maternal affection and remembrance.
Red carnations represent love and admiration, though the intensity of the shade is important. Lighter reds express general admiration, while deep red signifies profound love and intense affection. These flowers convey a powerful, passionate message for romantic occasions.
The white carnation symbolizes purity, innocence, and good luck. It also carries a strong association with remembrance and eternal love, frequently appearing in wedding bouquets and memorial arrangements to honor a cherished memory.
Yellow carnations historically carry the most negative connotations, symbolizing disappointment, rejection, or disdain. The traditional meaning cautions against using this color in a romantic context, as gifting a yellow carnation is typically a sign of regret or refusal of affection.
Finally, the striped or variegated carnation, featuring multiple colors on its petals, communicates the message of refusal or regret. It often symbolizes regret that a love or connection cannot be shared, acting as a gentle way to say, “I wish I could be with you, but I cannot.”
Traditional Uses and Cultural Significance
The carnation’s embedded symbolism has led to its specific use across various holidays, social rituals, and national emblems worldwide. Its most prominent modern use is its association with Mother’s Day, a tradition championed by founder Anna Jarvis. Jarvis established the flower as the holiday’s emblem, advocating for a white carnation to honor a deceased mother and a colored one for a living mother.
The flower also holds a significant place in settings that emphasize honor and distinction. At Oxford University, students traditionally wear a white carnation for their first exam, change to pink for subsequent exams, and finally wear red for their last examination. This progression of color symbolizes the journey from a pure start to the culmination of effort.
The bloom plays a powerful role in political and national symbolism. The red carnation became an enduring symbol of peace and revolution during Portugal’s 1974 Carnation Revolution, where soldiers placed the flowers into the barrels of their guns. The carnation is recognized as the national flower of Spain, Monaco, and Slovenia. In the United States, the scarlet carnation is the state flower of Ohio, adopted to honor President William McKinley.