For a few years, carnations were neglected, as the flowering and fragrant perennials were considered a dusty remnant of the former workers' and farmers' state of the GDR. In the meantime, however, this perspective has changed completely: fortunately, because carnations, no matter what kind, enrich every garden and can also be cultivated on balconies.
White carnations stand for friendship and affection, among other things
History of the popular perennial
The cultivation of carnations has a very long tradition in our country: the first cultivated forms were widespread in many places as early as the time of the Crusaders - i.e. in the high Middle Ages. At that time, however, they were most likely not given any symbolic content, after all, the language of flowers only developed much later. It has been proven, however, that from about the 15th century white carnations were seen as a sign of love and the marriage bond - at least in the civil society of the time.
change in symbolism
During the French Revolution, the red carnation became a symbol of noble resistance. Incidentally, paradoxically, it was the French socialists of all people who adopted the symbol: From then on, a red carnation in a buttonhole was the identifying symbol of the labor movement. This was also extensively announced in the former GDR on Labor Day - May 1st was always celebrated in a lavish manner in former socialist East Germany - when the participants in a demonstration traditionally wore a red carnation in their buttonhole. The 1968 student movement, on the other hand, saw the carnation as a symbol of narrow-mindedness and bourgeoisie that needed to be overcome.
give away carnations
Traditionally, the different colors of carnations stand for different meanings. As so often, red carnations symbolize love and eroticism and white friendship and loyalty. Carnations can be given as gifts on many occasions, such as birthdays, Valentine's Day, wedding anniversaries, Mother's Day, weddings and births.
tips
Carnations make great cut flowers because they last a long time in a vase. To improve shelf life, it is best to choose specimens with flowers that have not yet fully opened.