Carnations To Your Mom For Her Unique And Self-Giving Love

Most men I know are constantly searching for the perfect ways to remind the ladies in their lives that they are truly important and unique. And while I am so grateful that my better half, father, brothers and other men realize that women need to experience special and appreciated. We've often witnessed and skilled failed attempts at being treated. I've finally got my husband to understand that as soon as in doubt, go for a carnation.

Carnations are beautiful flowers which are widely recognized by most people. The flowers are classified as Dianthus caryophyllus, when translated, means "flower of the gods" or "flower of love". It was known in Rome as "Jove's Flower", after a beloved Roman God. They are native to the Eastern Hemisphere and are naturally found in the Mediterranean region. Today, these flowers can be found in a wide range of colors. There are approximately 300 species in the genus. White carnations were first presented to mothers on Mother's Day in 1908. During the first official Mother's Day service at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church (Grafton, West Virginia), 500 white carnations - sent by Miss Jarvis - were distributed amongst the mothers present.

As with roses, carnations hold a deeper meaning and contextual significance beyond their obvious aesthetic attraction. Carnations are often used for a specific national occasion in the United States and Canada, namely Mothers Day. Carnations are worn to represent a mothers love, a notion which is often attributed to Christian Legend. The legend goes that carnations appeared during the time of Christs crucifixion as Marys tears touched the ground. In the UK carnations hold further meaning depending on the colour of the flower given. It has been suggested that receipt of a red carnation represents a message of longing for another or missing them, receipt of white carnation says the sender is still available, and a yellow carnation can mean rejection or disdain.

However, once again it is interesting to look to how the flower is used and understood in different contexts and cultures. In Korea for example carnations are used as a way of looking into the future: young girls stack carnations in their hair to the end that if the bottom one dies first then it means all her life will be hard for her, if the middle one dies it means her middle age will be difficult, and if the top one dies it means only the later years of her life will be problematic. Elsewhere in the world, in Mexico, carnations take on a somewhat different role in that they are known as the flowers of the dead, and are placed around a corpse before burial.

In examining just two of the numerous variety of flowers we have in the UK it has been revealed that in going beyond the attractive petals, flowers often hold a symbolic meaning based on certain myths and historical events which can differ amongst different cultures.

In many parts of the world the red and pink carnations are used for expressing love and gratitude toward parents on Parents Day, Mother's Day and Father's Day. Sometimes, you see people wear a corsage of carnations on their left lapels, especially on Parents Day. The flower also honors teachers on Teacher's Day. Students, past and present, express their admiration and gratitude to their teachers with carnations.

The name carnation is synonymous with 'admiration' 'love' and 'gratitude'. According to a popular Christian legend, carnations first appeared as Jesus carried the cross to Mount Calvary. While his blessed mother, Mary shed tears at Jesus' plight, carnations sprang up from where her tears fell! This is why the pink carnation is considered a symbol of a mother's undying love. In 1907 it was chosen as the emblem of Mother's Day. The market for the carnation flowers is gaining in popularity all over the world and the flowers have found a niche for themselves at recognized outlets.