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Photo credit: selimaksan/Getty ImagesWhile flowers are a popular Mother's Day gift, did you know there's a specific flower designated for the occasion? Carnations have long been associated with celebrating mothers, both historically and traditionally.
Though you may prefer roses, hydrangeas, or tulips as a gift for your mom, there's an intriguing history behind the connection between carnations and Mother's Day. We consulted a florist to uncover the reasons why carnations are the official flower for moms, their symbolic meaning, and how to care for them.
The Story Behind Carnations and Their Connection to Mother's Day
While mothers have been celebrated throughout history, from ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, Mother's Day only became an official holiday in the U.S. during the early 20th century. The tradition of carnations tied to this day traces back to Anna Jarvis and the holiday’s inception.
The Birth of Mother's Day
In 1908, activist Anna Jarvis organized a Mother's Day event in West Virginia to honor mothers and their sacrifices. Her efforts led to the national recognition of the holiday in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson officially declared Mother's Day a nationwide celebration.
Anna Jarvis and her mother were known for their cherished white carnation garden in Philadelphia. To pay tribute to her late mother, "she handed out 500 carnations at the first official [Mother's Day] service, as they were her mother's favorite flower," explains florist Rita Dancyger.
The West Virginia church where the first official Mother's Day service took place continued the custom of distributing carnations each year in honor of mothers. Other local communities and churches soon adopted this practice, solidifying carnations as a symbol of Mother's Day.
What Do Carnations Represent?
Carnations are often seen as symbols of love, particularly a mother's everlasting affection for her children. They also represent beauty. As Jarvis described, they "embody many qualities of motherhood... Their whiteness represents truth, purity, and the unconditional love of a mother; their scent symbolizes her memories and prayers."
Anna Jarvis, 1927
"The carnation keeps its petals close as it fades, just as mothers hold their children close to their hearts, their love enduring forever."
The Meaning of Carnation Colors
Although Anna Jarvis initially distributed white carnations at the first Mother's Day celebration (as those were the flowers her mother grew in their garden), over time, they became a symbol for mothers who have passed away. People sometimes leave white carnations on their mother's grave.
On the other hand, red or pink carnations are used to represent mothers who are still living. These vibrant petals are thought to symbolize a beating heart and a mother's enduring love. "Historically, a white carnation was worn to honor a mother who had passed, while a pink one was worn for a mother still alive," Dancyger explains.
Here are some additional meanings associated with different carnation colors:
- Red represents deep love and admiration.
- White symbolizes purity and good fortune.
- Yellow stands for friendship.
- Pink signifies gratitude for a mother's love.
- Purple denotes adventure.
The Popularity of Carnations
Despite their meaningful symbolism, carnations often receive a negative reputation. This may be due to their less dramatic appearance compared to roses or orchids, with some considering them to be "cheap" flowers.
"I believe carnations are often underrated because they are relatively affordable and have earned the label of a 'filler flower,'" Dancyger explains. "However, carnations offer several practical advantages: they're long-lasting, budget-friendly, and come in a wide array of colors."
But don't be too quick to dismiss them. Dancyger suggests that the carnation’s reputation might be changing, particularly with the introduction of varieties in "vintage" tones.
"Brides tend to favor them more due to their romantic or Victorian appeal," Dancyger explains. "I believe it's up to florists to craft stunning arrangements using the finest carnation varieties. Some people may not even realize carnations are used when premium varieties are incorporated into their arrangements."
Rather than purchasing a bouquet of carnations from a grocery store, consider visiting a local florist for some top-quality flowers.
How to Care for Carnation Bouquets
If you choose to give carnations for Mother's Day, the great news is that they are long-lasting with proper care, typically lasting around two to three weeks. Whether you receive them as a wrapped bouquet or arranged in a vase, here are some tips for properly caring for cut carnations.
- If the carnations come already arranged in a vase, avoid changing the water or cutting the stems for the first two to three days after receiving them.
- "If your bouquet is wrapped or hand-tied, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle before placing them in water," Dancyger advises. "This allows the flowers to absorb water more effectively rather than having the stems sit flat at the bottom of the vase. Re-cut the stems by about half an inch and change the water every two to three days."
- Make sure to change the water every couple of days to prevent bacterial growth.
