The History of the Carnation

The Carnation is actually a flowering plant and has been grown for the last 2,000 years. Its natural flower color was pink but later, colors, including red, white, yellow and greenish, had been developed. The name Carnation is often applied to other varieties of Dianthus.

It is commonly believed that the name carnation comes from the word coronation which is a type of flower wreath. The carnation began its fascinating history as one of the flowers used in Greek ritual crowns.

Alternatively, some people feel the name comes from the Greek word carnis which means flesh; the original color of the carnation flower was flesh-toned. Then again, another variation of this is that it comes from the word incarnacyon which means incarnation, which stands for the incarnation of God made flesh.

Carnations are usually worn on special occasions like Mothers' Day and weddings. They were known as Jove's Flower in Rome as an honor to one of their adored gods. In Korea, a young girl puts three carnations in her hair to tell her destiny. If the top flower dies first, her last years of life will be difficult. If the middle flower dies first, her first years will bring grief. If the bottom flower dies first, the girl will be unhappy her whole life. The carnation is also the symbol of the Portuguese Carnation Revolution.

Carnations make great fresh flowers in arrangements. They last a long time after being cut and stand well during harsh treatment.