Carnations, popular flowers renowned for their delicate petals and soothing fragrance, have long been considered symbols of grace and elegance. Their timeless appeal makes them the ideal way to express emotions of all sorts; their variety of shades span from white through pink, red, yellow, purple and even bicolour forms. Carnation flowers have a rich history associated with numerous beliefs, philosophies and traditions around the world; in this article we'll take a closer look at their various meanings across cultures around the globe.
Carnations have come to symbolize devotion since Mother Mary wept over Jesus carrying his cross to Calvary and thus it became associated with her tears. Since then, pink carnations has come to represent love that endures and was even chosen by Anna Jarvis, founder of Mother's Day as its official flower symbol.
Carnations have long been associated with love, purity and good luck; therefore they make an ideal present to honor an achievement or mark an important milestone. On the other hand, yellow carnations can also signify displeasure and rejection, making them suitable for when you wish to express condolences or ask for an apology from someone close to you.