International Carnation Day, celebrated annually on January 29th, is a special day dedicated to the carnation, a flower that has been adored for centuries for its long-lasting freshness, rich history, and symbolic meaning. This day is observed worldwide to appreciate the beauty and significance of carnations in our lives, whether they serve as tokens of love, affection, fascination, or divine virtues.
The day also promotes awareness about the contributions of the floriculture industry to our societies and economies. On International Carnation Day, people share carnations, arrange floral exhibitions, and participate in various educational and conservation activities associated with this charming bloom.
History of International Carnation Day
Carnations are one of the oldest cultivated flowers in recorded history. Their origins are believed to be in the Mediterranean region. The ancient Greeks and Romans used carnations in garlands and art, with the use of the flower even dating back to ancient Greek times where they were used for ceremonial crowns.
During the Middle Ages, carnations started to appear in different colors as a result of variation and selection. In the 17th century, French botanists performed extensive crossbreeding of carnations which resulted in over 2000 varieties. These split mainly into three divisions: single flowered, double flowered, and double flowered with a defined central eye.
Carnations are known for their rich symbolism and are often used in bouquets for weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies. Aside from that, different colors of carnations hold different meanings. For instance, pink carnations often symbolize a mother’s love, and yellow ones denote disappointment or rejection.
In the early 20th century, the carnation became the state flower of Ohio and the national flower of Spain. It is also the traditional flower for Mother’s Day in the United States, in honour of Anna Jarvis’s mother who loved the flower.
International Carnation Day Timeline
Symbol of Prophecy
Carnations were first mentioned in Greek and Roman mythologies as a symbol of love and prophecy.
Christian Symbol
During the Middle Ages, carnations were associated with the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.
Cultivation in France
France began the commercial cultivation of Carnations in the 18th Century.
Expansion of Colors
By the 19th century, scientists had managed to cultivate and expand the color range of carnations, including pink, white, red, and even green.
Carnation Revolution
The Carnation Revolution was a military coup in Portugal in 1974, named after the red carnations the rebels put in their gun barrels.
First Blue Carnation
As a result of genetic modification, the world's first blue carnation was developed in 1995.
Ideas to Celebrate International Carnation Day
Carnation Bouquet Workshop
Host a DIY carnation bouquet workshop inviting friends, family, and community members. Provide all the materials needed to create beautiful carnations bouquets and offer step-by-step instructions. It's a fun, interactive, and educational way to celebrate International Carnation Day.
Carnation Garden Tour
If you have a carnation garden, invite people over for a garden tour. Provide information about different types of carnations, their care, and their symbolism. End the tour with a carnation-picking session where visitors can take home some flowers.
Carnation Photo Contest
Launch a carnation photo contest on social media where participants post pictures of carnations or carnation-inspired artworks. The one with the most likes or shares wins a prize.
Carnation Themed Crafts
Invite your friends for a craft day where you make things like carnation paper flowers, carnation scented candles or carnation boutonnieres. It's a fun way to celebrate the day and also learn something new.
Message with a Carnation
Give out carnations with personalized messages to your loved ones. Each color of the carnation has a different meaning, which would make the gift much more special.
6 Interesting Facts About Carnations
Symbolism
If you've ever marveled at the brilliant hues of carnations, their colors have special meanings. Red carnations convey love or admiration, a pink hue speaks a mother’s eternal love, and white is a representation of pure love and fortunate tidings.
Diverse origins
The scientific classification for carnation, Dianthus caryophyllus, has roots in the Greek language and translates to 'Flower of Love' or 'Flower of the Gods'.
A Greek Myth
Legend has it that the creation of pink carnations was a result of the tears shed by the Virgin Mary, shaping them into a symbol of an unwavering maternal love.
Long Lasting
One of the reasons carnations are favored is because of their longevity. With the right care, carnations can stay vibrant and fresh for up to three weeks.
Birth Flower
Those born in January have the carnation as their birth flower. The carnation encapsulates fascination, distinction, and the essence of love.
Antioxidant Properties
Carnations are more than merely decorative. They're edible, with sweet petals that add a unique flavor to dishes. Beyond their taste, they're known to offer health perks with their antioxidant-rich properties.
International Carnation Day FAQs
Next International Carnation Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | January 29th | Sunday |
| 2024 | January 29th | Monday |
| 2025 | January 29th | Wednesday |
| 2026 | January 29th | Thursday |
| 2027 | January 29th | Friday |
| What is the pattern? | Every January 29th | |
International Carnation Day Word Search
- Carnation
- International
- Bouquets
- Petals
- Symbolism
- Appreciation