Carnation

Dianthus caryophyllus

Family
Caryophyllaceae

Related genera
Dianthus, Petrorhagia, Saponaria, Silene, Stellaria

Theophrastus mentions first the name Dianthus, which consists of Greek dios = god and anthos = flower, so it is the "flower of god". Garlands made of the flowers were worn as ceremonial crowns by the Greecs. Carnations feature on the altars of many different saints and deities and are often given in condolence for the death of a loved one. In Christian iconography a carnation symbolized love and the Virgin Mary. Later carnations were also featured on paintings depicting marriages, where the flower could also take on a more carnal meaning. Depending on the color the meaning varies, e.g. white flowers stand for pure love and luck. Light red flowers symbolize admiration, whilst dark red ones stand for deep love and affection. The pink carnation has the strongest relevance in the Christian tradition, where it sprang from the tears shed by Mother Mary for her son when he carried the Cross to Golgotha. They thus symbolize his passion and Mother Mary's undying love. It is speculated also that the name carnation may derive from the Holy Spirit Incarnate or God made flesh. The name pink clove refers to the flower's scent being similar to that of real cloves, which were named so after their shape, so that people would see a connection between the pink clove flower and the nails used in Christ's crucifixion. The scent is a typical feature of older dianthus varieties, and the esoteric oil has been used for at least 2000 years in perfume making. A decoction of the petals is also believed to serve as a nerve tonic.

Names
Clove Pink or simply Garden Carnation, German Landnelke, Gartennelke, Edelnelke

Sources

Wikipedia English, Wikipedia German
Flowers as Christian Symbols
History and Culture of Dianthus

Fotos © Teufelskunst