Carnation – January Birth Flower
A wild Pink nestled in a garden bed,
A rich Carnation flourished high above her,
One day he chanced to see her pretty head
And leaned and looked again, and grew to love her.
–Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Though the cold and chilly season seems like an unlikely time for Flowers to bloom, nature has formulated flowers which love the extreme weather. The flower associated with the month of January is Carnation. There are various different stories and theories on how the carnation got its name. One of the theories suggests that the carnation was named after coronation ceremonies as in Greece, carnations were used in art and decor and to make ceremonial crowns and flower garlands.
Originally called Dianthus by the Greek botanist Theophrastus, it is believed that Carnations were first cultivated in and around Egypt. There is evidence that they have been cultivated for nearly 2,000 years. They also happen to be the favorite flower of Jove, the Roman king of the gods.
The January birth flower, Carnations are said to symbolize deep love, love of self, fascination and distinction.Carnations are found in many colors that convey different meanings. Specific colors carry significance, but all carnations are a potent spiritual medium. Pink Carnations are usually associated with affection, while red carnations symbolize passionate love. White carnations convey pure love and innocence whereas yellow carnations mean rejection or disappointed. Purple carnations, one of the prettiest carnations symbolize capriciousness.
All across the globe people send birth month flowers as gifts to their loved ones to celebrate special occasion or events. Carnations are popularly used to celebrate the birth of a child. They are also extensively used at weddings and are used in wedding bouquets and other floral arrangements. On May 10, 1908, carnations were established as the official flower of Mother’s Day by Anna Marie Jarvis. She started the tradition of wearing a carnation because it was her mother’s favorite flower. They were also given this honor as it was felt that the white variety symbolizes all the virtues of motherhood.