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Dianthus caryophyllus

CARNATION

ORIGINS: Carnations are actually one of the oldest cultivated flowers in the world. They were discovered all the way back in Ancient Greek and Roman times by Theophrastus, one of the earliest known botanists.

NAME:There are many theories and legends on where Carnations got their name. Some say it originated from the word 'coronation' as the flower was used in Greek ceremonial crowns. But, others think it came from the Latin word 'carnis' which means flesh because the early carnations were pretty much only pink. The truth is, no one really knows the origin of the carnation name. But, what we do know, is that the scientific name, 'dianthus caryophyllus', came from the mighty Zeus. In the Greek language, Zeus is translated as 'dios' and the word flower is 'anthos' and so 'dianthus' was born. Thanks to this carnations are classed as the 'flower of the gods'.

What do they symbolyse?: As carnations have been around for quite some time, they've been associated with many different symbolic meanings in different cultures, as well color may vary the meaning. Generally though, carnations symbolise devotion, love, distincion and fascination.

FUN FACTS:
-Carnations are the official January birth flower.
- In Christian tradition, carnations are said to have sprung from the tears of the Virgin Mary as she watched Jesus carry the cross.
- According to myth, the flower grew where the goddess Diana threw the eyes of a rejected shepherd.

Most information taken by Bloom and wild.