Carnations … tacky or retro?
Any fan of Gilmore Girls may remember Lorelai asking, “I can never decide. Carnations … tacky or retro?” This is a question many people may wrestle with in their minds. I am here to give a little carnation knowledge and encourage you to give these cost effective beauties a spot at your next event.
You might only associate these flowers with a green so bright and unnatural not even a magical cereal mascot would sport it on their lapel. Perhaps half dehydrated and handed out on Valentine’s Day at your middle school? Cheap ex-boyfriend? I could go on … Well let’s learn a little bit about these divisive blooms before we continue to judge them.
Carnations are a species of dianthus and their origins are most likely from the Mediterranean region, and have been cultivated for the past 2,000 years! (That’s one point for retro!) In fact there are numerous references in Greek literature to the bloom and the name is derived from the ancient Greek words for divine "dios" and flower "anthos" and was used in Greek and Roman ceremonial crowns. (That’s two points.) The use of carnations may vary, from being the official flower of Mother’s Day, a white or red carnation represents the purity of a mother’s love. Or on Parent’s Day in Korea, red and pink carnations are proudly worn on the left side of the chest by parents. The flower is even given to teachers on Teacher’s Day. Whatever the reason they are given, carnations always mean to represent love, fascination and distinction. Carnations are even the most popular wedding flower in China, and we can see why!
During the Victorian era a carnation’s color could even represent a secret message! A potential suitor would be given a solid color to respond “yes!” a striped carnation meant “I’m sorry, but I can’t be with you” and a yellow carnation was an unfortunate “No.”
Nowadays we know that although colors can represent a certain message, the more important one is giving your loved one a bloom in their favorite color. In this way the only “no” associated with a beautiful bouquet of yellow carnations would be, “No way! I can’t believe you looked past antiquated color charts and false flower shaming to gift me this bouquet!”
Available in a wide variety of colors thanks to genetic engineering and selective plant breeding, carnations are a great option to turn to if you’re looking for a very specific shade. An honest to goodness burgundy? Check. The perfect shade of neutral beige? Check. An undisputable lavender? The carnation says, “I got you girl.” The carnation also looks great when dyed! So if you absolutely need a true blue, look no further.
Starting to come around? Check out some of these beautiful bouquets below and consider making room for the carnation on your guest list!
