In May, we celebrate Parents’ Day and Teachers’ Day. On these special days, we usually give beautiful carnations to our parents and teachers. In fact, carnations are widely used in ceremonies, festivals, and other special occasions all over the world. Carnations are one of the most popular flowers in the world, too. But how much do you know about these flowers? This week, let’s learn some interesting facts about carnations.

Carnations are also commonly called by their scientific name ‘Dianthus.’ It means ‘the Flowers of God’ in Greek. There are several kinds of carnations and they come in many different colors including pink, red, white, yellow, green, and purple. Each color has a different meaning. So you should check the meaning of a particular color before you give them to someone.

Carnations in general express ‘love’ and ‘fascination.’ Pink carnations mean ‘mother’s undying love’; light red ones symbolize ‘admiration’; dark red ones mean ‘deep love’; yellow carnations represent ‘unhappiness’; and white carnations express ‘pure love’ and ‘good luck.’ The carnation became the official flower of Mother’s Day in the early 20th century.

Carnations are native to Eurasia and they have a long history. People have been using them for more than 2,000 years. Historically, carnations are known to have been used by the Greeks and Romans for the first time in garlands. According to a Christian legend, carnations first appeared on Earth when Jesus carried the cross. Pink carnations sprang up from the Virgin Mary’s tears as she cried over her son’s hardship.

Today, carnations are used to celebrate special days such as Parents’ Day, Teachers’ Day, as well as weddings. The Irish wear green carnations on St. Patrick’s Day. The sweetly fragrant flower is also the state flower of Ohio, the January birth flower, and the first wedding anniversary flower. In Canada, wearing a red carnation on Mother’s Day means that one’s mother is alive and a white flower means the opposite.

Carnations are loved by many people because they are beautiful, inexpensive, and long-lasting. Carnations have been grown commercially as a flower crop since 1954. In May, express your love to your parents and teachers with beautiful carnations!