Pink Carnations
The carnation flower comes from a plant native to the East and is known to have been cultivated for the last two thousand years. Its original natural flower colour is known to have been pinkish-hued, however later dedicated cultivation resulted in other colours, including red, white, yellow and green. The carnation recognised all over the world as the national flower of Spain. Although the dname 'carnation' is known to be applied originally to the species dianthus caryophyllus, the name is also often applied to some of the other species of idanthus, particularly to garden hybrid varieties and other species in the genus. The pink carnation was one of the flowers used in Greek ceremonial crowns.
There are those also who think that the name stems from the Latin "carnis" for flesh, which refers to the original colour of the flower. There is yet another theory that the name comes from incarnacyon or incarnation, which refers to the incarnation of 'God made flesh'. The pink carnation is also the symbol of love, fascination, and distinction. The light red carnations represent admiration, while the dark red denote deep love and affection. White carnations are synonymous with pure love and good luck, while the striped variety symbolize a regret, a love cannot be shared. The pink flower is now the emblem of Mother's Day, which is widely celebrated on the second Sunday in May. A red carnation is usually worn when one's mother is alive, while a white one indicates her demise. Carnations are often called "pinks" in the garden and to create a carnation from the multiple flowers on the stem, you simply pinch off all flowers on the stem except the center or terminal bud. Florists are known to tint carnations into a single or multi-colors; for every occasion from Mother's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Parent's Day, Teacher's Day, Father's Day and weddings. The white carnations are used for tinting. Pink carnations are very popular flowers, especially as boutonnieres, in corsages, bouquets, and in a wide range of floral arrangements for all occasions. The pink carnation flowers grow big, full blooms on strong, straight stems and the blooms last a long time. These flowers were referred to as "Jove's Flowers" in ancient Rome. This was to pay tribute to one of their beloved gods. In many parts of the world the red and pink carnations are used for expressing love and gratitude. The name carnation is synonymous with 'admiration','love' and 'gratitude'. According to a popular Christian legend, carnations first appeared as Jesus carried the cross to Mount Calvary. While his blessed mother, Mary shed tears at Jesus' plight, carnations sprang up from where her tears fell! This is why the pink carnation is considered a symbol of a mother's undying love. In 1907 it was chosen as the emblem of Mother's Day. The market for the carnation flowers is gaining in popularity all over the world and the flowers have found a niche for themselves at recognized outlets. |