Mother's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show our love and appreciation for our moms than with a beautiful bouquet of carnations?
Carnations symbolize charm, elegance, and love, and their layers of petals mirror the endless affection that mothers have for their children.
Known as the "Mother's Flower" and "Sacred Flower," carnations are the perfect way to express gratitude for the amazing women in our lives. But do you know the true meaning behind each color of carnation? Let's dive into the fascinating symbolism of these lovely flowers!
The Origin of Mother's Day and Carnations
Mother's Day as we know it today was established thanks to Anna Jarvis from the United States. Her mother, a kind-hearted woman, spent her life promoting the greatness of motherhood and dreamed of setting up a holiday to celebrate it. Sadly, Anna's mother passed away before she could see this dream come to fruition.
After her mother's death, Anna took up her mother's mission and tirelessly lobbied the government to make Mother's Day an official holiday. Thanks to her persistence, in 1913, the United States officially recognized the second Sunday of May as Mother's Day.
Around the world, many other countries also celebrate Mother's Day on the same day, including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and more.
So, why are carnations so closely tied to Mother's Day? According to Faith-based tradition, when Saint Mary watched her son Jesus carry the cross, her tears fell to the ground and turned into carnations. Since then, carnations have been seen as a symbol of "immortal motherly love."
The Meaning of Different Carnation Colors
Carnations come in many beautiful colors, and each color carries its own unique meaning. The vibrant petals of carnations aren't just for decoration—they are a way to communicate feelings of love, respect, and appreciation. Let's take a closer look at what each color symbolizes:
White Carnations
White carnations represent purity, innocence, and respect. They are often used to celebrate mothers who have passed away and are a beautiful way to express reverence for our mothers' pure love. If you want to show respect and commemorate a late mother, white carnations are an excellent choice.
Red Carnations
Red carnations are one of the most popular choices for Mother's Day. These vibrant flowers symbolize passionate love, admiration, and deep affection. The bold red color is perfect for showing our mothers how much we love them and wish for their health and longevity. If you want to convey a message of strong, heartfelt love, red carnations are the way to go.
Pink Carnations
Pink carnations have a particularly special meaning. According to legend, the first pink carnation appeared when Saint Mary's tears turned into flowers. As a result, pink carnations symbolize a mother's endless love. They are also a symbol of youth and beauty, making them the perfect way to wish your mom a lifetime of vitality and grace. If you want to wish your mom eternal youth and beauty, go for the pink carnations.
Yellow Carnations
Yellow carnations convey feelings of deep gratitude and appreciation. They are perfect for expressing our thanks to our mothers for all their sacrifices and love. If you want to show your mom how thankful you are for everything she does, yellow carnations are the best choice.
Purple Carnations
Purple carnations are often associated with mystery and unpredictability. In France, purple carnations are traditionally used for mourning and remembrance at funerals. While not typically a Mother's Day flower, purple carnations can hold special meaning if you're honoring a mother who has passed away or if you're reflecting on the unpredictability of life.
Green Carnations
Green is the color of life, nature, and vitality, so green carnations symbolize health and well-being. If you want to wish your mom good health and a long, happy life, green carnations are a beautiful and meaningful choice.
Dyed and Striped Carnations
Sometimes, carnations are dyed or have stripes that carry additional meanings. Striped or multicolored carnations can represent apologies, rejection, or a refusal of love. They might be used to convey a message of regret or a gentle refusal, but they aren't usually associated with Mother's Day celebrations.
Celebrate Your Mom with Meaningful Flowers
Choosing the right color of carnation is a thoughtful way to express your feelings toward your mother this Mother's Day. Whether you opt for the pure and respectful white, the passionate red, or the timeless pink, carnations are a meaningful way to celebrate and celebrate your mom. The beauty of these flowers will surely bring a smile to her face and warmth to her heart.
We hope you found this article helpful, Lykkers! Now that you know the meanings behind each color of carnation, you can select the perfect bouquet to show your mom just how much she means to you. Don't forget—Mother's Day is all about showing appreciation and love, so make it special with a thoughtful gesture. Happy Mother's Day!
