In Latin, carnation sounds like Dianthus or the flower of the god. The ancient Greek naturalist Theophrastus christened the plant this way. In ancient times, carnations were woven into garlands during religious rituals. It was believed that this flower is the embodiment of the supreme deity.
The flower itself, according to myth, appeared from the blood of a young shepherd boy. Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, blinded him because he scared away the game with a pipe. The understanding of the carnation as a symbol of innocently spilled blood was revived during the Second World War.
Over the centuries, the symbolic meaning of carnation has changed dramatically. There were some bloody interpretations, and then — quite opposite related to love. Today, many florists purchase bulk carnations for various events. Let us see what the carnation symbolizes in different cultures and what messages can be made with it in the language of flowers.
The ancient history of the flower
The carnation is a flower that has been known since ancient Greece and, according to myth, owes its birth to the goddess Artemis, the patroness of hunting. An ancient Greek myth says that Artemis, returning from an unsuccessful hunt, saw a shepherd playing the flute. She thought that it was he who scared away all her prey and, in a rage, gouged out his eyes. The goddess Artemis threw the eyes of the young man onto the road and soon two red flowers grew on it.
The Greek name for the carnation is Dianthus, which literally means the flower of Zeus. The color of carnations varies greatly. There are flowers not only of the same color (red, white, yellow, pink, etc.) but also mixed specimens with different borders and side petals, multi-colored cores, etc.
Source: greenweddingshoes.com
Carnation symbolism: Historical roots and modern interpretations
Today, in some nations, the carnation is considered a symbol of mourning, but at the same time, it does not lose its life-affirming meaning and personifies freedom, love, honor, and fidelity.
The triumphal procession of carnations across Europe dates back to the 13th century, and since the beginning of the 16th century, they have been very popular at the court of the Medici queen. Since then, the carnation has been very revered in France as the flower of the royal nobility that personifies power:
- During the French Revolution, supporters of the king decorated their lapels with red carnations, thus showing their allegiance to the king to their opponents.
- French girls gave red carnations to the guys who went to war. The belief said that the presented flower would protect its owner, and he would return home with a victory.
- Napoleon considered the carnation to be his talisman and chose red for the ribbon of the Legion of Honor.
Following these traditions, the Russian proletariat took up the red carnation symbol in February 1917. Literally, several events created an aura of battle and struggle around the delicate flower.
In Belgium, on the contrary, the ruling elite did not really like the carnation, and it became the favorite flower of ordinary people. The Germans considered the carnation a symbol of fidelity and constancy, a talisman of the family hearth.
In Christianity, there is a belief that Mary wept at the cross of the crucified Jesus, and pink carnations appeared from her tears. It is with this tradition that in the USA, it is the official flower for congratulations on Mother’s Day. Red and pink carnations also symbolize motherly love in Japan.
In addition, these flowers are a traditional wedding decoration in China. The Chinese decorate the room for the ceremony and use carnations in the bride’s attire.
In Korea, carnation is believed to predict the future of young women. The girl decorates her hair with three fresh buds. Depending on the sequence of their withering, her fate is predicted. If the upper flower wilted first, the last years of a woman’s life will be difficult, if the middle one — she will have a difficult youth, if the lower one — difficulties will follow her throughout her life.
Therefore, there are different meanings, and carnations can be used for different events according to traditions and beliefs.
Source: bloomsonly.com
The language of flowers for those who buy carnation flowers in bulk
In the Victorian era, conveying messages using bouquets was very popular. Due to the variety of shades, carnation was especially popular for this issue.
Flowers of different colors have different meanings, namely:
- A red carnation symbolizes deep affection and love
- White carnations speak of trust and sincerity, innocence, tenderness, and good luck
- Yellow is a reminder of yourself
- Pink means the embodiment of a dream and maternal care
- The multi-colored carnation is a warning about the impossibility of lovers being together
- The striped carnation represents rejection and the end of a relationship
- Turkish varieties are presented as a compliment to say that the girl is unique.
It turns out that the carnation is a very meaningful flower. Everything is absorbed in its petals: tenderness, love, military honor, and glory. However, therein lies the unique charm of the flower. You can give a bouquet of carnations for any occasion, and the gift will always be in place.
Source: nexles.com
Where to buy fresh carnations in bulk?
With all their undeniable advantages such as beauty, deep symbolic meaning, and pronounced aroma, carnations have a number of disadvantages. They are short-lived and can cause allergic reactions. However, with proper care, the flower will live long enough to give all its beauty.
The best choice for purchasing carnations wholesale is the FiftyFlowers online store, which offers its customers a variety of bouquets, the constituent elements of which are carnations. Buying these flowers is a profitable way to invest your finances, create your beautiful business, and get satisfaction from the process of creating bouquets.
Keep in mind all the meanings that this flower has and do not hesitate to use it for a variety of occasions. Carnation gives a perfect chance to create a unique beautiful composition that will brighten the day and give positive emotions to people.
