Carnation meaning & symbolism

History & folklore

Carnations have been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. The Greeks and Romans wove them into garlands, and the genus name Dianthus is usually translated as "flower of the gods." Their ruffled petals and spicy, clove-like scent made them a favorite of Victorian flower language, and Anna Jarvis chose white carnations to honor her mother at the first Mother's Day in 1908.

In birth flower charts it's paired with the snowdrop.

Fun facts

• A single carnation stem can last two to three weeks in a vase, longer than almost any other cut flower.
• The fringed petal edges are called "pinked," which is where the color pink may get its name.
• Carnations are the national flower of Spain and Slovenia.

As a tattoo

Carnations tattoo beautifully because the ruffled, serrated petals read clearly even small. Fine-line artists often draw a single bloom with a long, slightly curved stem and two narrow leaves, which suits wrists, ankles and the inner forearm. See more January birth flower tattoo ideas.