What Do Carnations Mean? Plus The Symbolism Behind Common Carnation Colors
While carnations are a classic flower often spotted in modern-day bouquets, they have a history that goes back far beyond our time period. In fact, these sweet, unpretentious flowers have been cultivated for over 2,000 years, even all the way back to ancient Greece and Rome.
Carnations reached the height of their popularity during Victorian times, when the symbolism of flowers, also known as floriography, was definitely trending. Flower meanings became beloved, and they were often associated with various carnation colors.
Carnations continue to go strong today. As Liz Baessler, Master Gardener and Senior Editor at Gardening Know How puts it, “Carnations are not just beautiful but are long-lasting flowers with a light fragrance, making them perfect for bouquets and arrangements.” She adds that carnations are a good choice whether you’re sending them as a celebration or in sympathy.
To communicate just the right meaning when sending carnations to someone, read on for their meanings.
Related: What Is Your Birth Flower? Find Out the Meaning Behind the Blooms for Each Month
Carnations Meaning & Symbolism
Carnations have a very rich and old history, as Baessler says, and part of that is tied to an “intricate system of color symbolism,” she adds.
“Today, they’re still a mainstay of bouquets, even if their meanings are less commonly known,” she says. “Generally, carnations are associated with love, devotion and admiration. If you dig a little deeper though, you’ll find that those broad categories can get a lot more interesting.”
Related: 18 Rose Colors and Their Meanings To Avoid Sending the Wrong Message
White Carnations Meaning
Carnations can come in a variety of colors, so “it’s an obvious choice to have white carnations represent purity, innocence and simplicity,” Baessler says. White carnations translate easily to new beginnings, making them the ideal flower to give for weddings and graduations.
Pink Carnations Meaning
Baessler says that pink carnations are most commonly used to express gratitude, “especially for your mother and everything she’s done for you.”
“That’s why they’re the most popular Mother’s Day carnation,” Baessler notes.
Related: How to Dry and Preserve Flowers
Red Carnations Meaning
“This one should come as no surprise,” Baessler remarks. “Red carnations, much like their rose counterparts, represent love—specifically romantic love and passion.” Baessler says that this common red flower meaning can be presumed because they show off the same deep blood red shade as a heart.
Yellow Carnations Meaning
“Yellow carnations are the tricky ones of the bunch,” Baessler says. “Historically, they were synonymous with rejection: sent to a suitor to unequivocally tell them things were over. Since breakup flowers aren’t as common anymore (or nearly as unequivocal), they’re more frequently used today to express somewhat related emotions: sadness and sympathy.”
In other words? Yellow carnations aren’t a good idea if you’re sending them for Valentine’s Day!
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Sources
- Liz Baessler, Master Gardener and Senior Editor at Gardening Know How.
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