In the Language of Flowers, the carnation changes its meaning according to the color.  For instance: a red carnation means “alas for my poor heart,” a yellow carnation means “disdain,” a pink carnation means “I will never forget you” and a striped carnation means “refusal.” Generally speaking however, the carnation means admiration, love and gratitude.

Well, that being said, if you like carnations for the heartiness, and long-lasting nature, then you will enjoy giving and receiving them too.

The culitvation of carntions can be traced back two thousand years and is believed that the plant came to England with the normas. Carnations have been found growing wild in the walls of castles of Dover and Rochester.

The Athenians honored the carnation and called them Di-anthos (flower of Jove) and they used them in wreaths and garlands wearing them during special ceremonies and festivals.  the word “coronation” is derived from “carnation.”

other Carnation facts:

Carnations are sometimes added to ales and wines to add a touch of spiciness.

Carnations are a popular flower to wear as corsages and boutoniers.

Carnations are still one of the most requested flowers for Mom’s to honor her on Mother’s Day.

According to a Christian legend, carnations first appeared on Earth as Jesus carried the Cross.  The Virgin Mary shed tears at Jesus’ plight, and carnations sprang up from where her tears fell. Thus the pink carnation became the symbol of a mother’s undying love, and in 1907 was chosen by Ann Jarvis as the symbol of Mother’s Day, now observed in the United States and Canada on the second Sunday in May.  (source: Wikipedia)

A red carnation may be worn if one’s mother is alive, and a white one if she has died.

Nadashiko is the Japenese word for carnation

Carnations are the official flower of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, as they are the longest lasting flowers.

White Carnations are the offical flower of the fraternity Delta Sigma Phi.

The Carnation is the National flower of Spain and the scarlet carnation is the state flower of Ohio.

One fo my favorite poems written by Henry King could very well have been written about the Carnation:

A CONTEMPLATION UPON FLOWERS

Brave flowers, that I could gallant it like you,
And be as little vain;
You come abroad and make a harmless show,
And to yoru bed of earth again;
You are not proud, you know your birth,
For your embroidered garments are from earth.

You do obey your months and times, but I
Would have it ever spring;
My fate would know no winter, never die,
Nor think of such a thing;
Oh that I could  my bed of earth but view,
And smile and look as cheerfully as you.