Different Carnation Colors and Their Meaning

Carnations are popular all over the world as they go for a long time after being cut and come in a wide variety of colors. They are considered "the flowers of God" because their scientific name is coined from two Greek words that 'flowers' and 'God' mean. They are given on various occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and St. Patrick's Day.

In general, carnations signify feelings of love and fascination. However, as roses, carnations come in a rainbow of colors, each with a different meaning. The sender should therefore investigate the significance of the different colors of this flower to select the right scheme. This will help in making the bouquet or arrangement is given more significance. The meaning of different colored carnations are listed below.

Red

Red carnations represent love and admiration. They are therefore, often exchanged between lovers. The different colors have slightly different meanings. Light red carnations represent admiration, while dark or dark red denote deep love and affection. They can be given on Valentine's Day or when someone wants to express love.

Rose

Pink carnations are the most important and popular of all carnations. Pink carnations symbolize a mother's undying love for her child and are associated with the love of a woman through the years. It is believed that they first flourished as Virgin Mary wept for Jesus as he carried the cross of his crucifixion. They are therefore suitable for Mother's Day.

Purple

Purple carnations are a symbol of capriciousness, unpredictability, capriciousness and unreliability. They are often given in times of major changes resulting from their symbolism.

Yellow

Yellow carnations represent disappointment and rejection in person. This meaning is very different than the meaning of other yellow flowers. They can be given to someone who disappointed the sender. They are often not in combination with other colors in bouquets.

White

White carnations represent pure love and happiness. They can be given at the graduation of someone, or when someone leaves. This color of carnations can also be exchanged between lovers, siblings and friends.

Green

Green carnations are not natural. They are painted every year on St. Patrick's Day and given along with white carnations. They are also used as boutonnieres on this holiday.

Striped

Striped carnations mean regret and denial. They may therefore, be given as sympathy flowers if someone is deceased or the refusal of an offer to convey to someone.