The scientific name of carnation is Dianthus and it is a combination of two Latin words – “dios” meaning Gods & “anthos” meaning flower. Therefore, carnations are referred to as the flower of the Gods. People believe that carnations are one of the oldest cultivated flowers in the world. The oldest colours of carnation are pink and peach but now it is available in a variety of other colors. In general, carnations symbolize love, fascination, and distinction but the significance varies from one culture to another.
Various colors of carnations symbolize various things. The most popular colours of carnations are red, yellow, pink, white, purple, white, and striped. Red carnations refer to deep love while white refers to good luck & pure love. Purple carnations symbolize capriciousness while pink refers to a mother’s love.
Carnations Significance In Various Cultures Across The World:
- As per the Roman culture, carnations took birth from the teardrops of Mother Mary. After the crucifixion of the Christ, Mother Mary wept and from every spot where Mother Mary’s teardrops fell- gave rise to carnations.
- In Chinese culture, carnations are the commonest wedding flowers.
- For other parts of the world Pink carnations refers to a mother’s love but in Japan, red carnation is the flower for moms.
- Carnation flowers during the Victorian era used to convey a secret message to a secret admirer. Often, the suitors also answered through carnations. So, if a solid colour carnation is given, then, the answer was “YES”. In case of striped carnation, the secret message was “I am Sorry – I cannot be yours”. A yellow carnation meant “NO”.
Carnation bouquets are one of the most beautiful flower arrangements that you will see at a floral shop. They are popular gifts for birthdays, 1st wedding anniversary, Mother’s Day, Christmas, New Year, Friendship Day etc. The color preference may change depending on the occasion. For example, if it’s a Mother’s Day celebration, then, mostly pink carnations are preferred. If it is Christmas, the preferred colours would be red and white. The yellow ones are for Friendship Day or to say Sorry.
Making a flower bouquet is an art which is performed by skilled people at floral shops. But if you love flowers and want to gift your loved ones something special on a major occasion, then, you can try your hands at making a carnations bouquet at home.
Steps To Make Carnations Flower Bouquet
- First of all, you have to take the carnation flowers in even numbers of 10, 12, 20, 24, etc.
- Now, hold three carnations in your hand forming a triangular shape keeping 6 inches distance from one another. Also, keep them at varying heights to make the bouquet look slightly bigger in appearance.
- Now, add a carnation to each carnation you have been holding in your hand so that this triangle looks bigger. Also, don’t forget to keep them at varying heights.
- At this stage, you have to add two carnations on each of the three sides so that the whole bouquet gets a circular outer edge.
- You can keep on adding more carnations until you feel that it has become one full set.
- Then, put carnations in a circle around the already designed edge.
- Now it is time to wrap the bunch of carnations around the stems using a tape.
- Be careful in covering the tape with a satin ribbon that contrasts with your carnation flowers.
- Cut the stems an inch below the ribbon and your bouquet is ready.
- If you have to gift it to someone, then, just wrap a nice packaging paper around it and use tape and satin ribbon to tie it.
- In case, you want to keep it at home, then, don’t follow the last step and place the bouquet directly into a vase filled with water. Place the vase in a cool corner of your room and don’t forget to mist the flowers daily.
- Last but not the least, to ensure your flowers stay longer in the vase, you have to keep your vase clean and use fresh & mild warm water. Also, use flower food available in the market and don’t forget to remove the leaves (if any) below the water level.
- Also, remember to keep your flowers away from the direct heat or sunlight.
Some Fun Facts About Carnations:
- Apart from beautifying the surroundings through bouquets, carnations are also a food item – do you know that? People eat carnations in the form of salads and also use in cake decoration.
- Do you know that Carnations have long been brewed into teas? Because that helps in stress reduction and alleviating nervousness.
- It is a startling fact that carnation oils can treat skin rashes and works as a skin conditioner. It also helps in removing facial wrinkles and treating diseases like eczema.
- Colombia is the largest producer of carnations in the world.
- Carnation is the national flower of many countries like Monaco, Spain, Slovenia, and Ohio.
