Carnation – January’s Birth Flower: History, Meaning & Care

Welcome to the allure of January's birth flower—the captivating Carnation! Just as zodiac signs and birthstones carry symbolic significance, each month of the year has been assigned its own distinctive bloom that reflects the qualities and characteristics of people born during that time.

For those ushered into life in January, when winter still holds much of the northern hemisphere in its grip, the hardy and vibrant Carnation serves as their floral counterpart. This resilient flower thrives even in the cold months, mirroring the inner strength and tenacity often found in January-born individuals. With its rich history dating back over 2,000 years, the Carnation has been celebrated across numerous cultures—from ancient Greek and Roman ceremonies to modern-day celebrations and commemorations.

The tradition of birth flowers originated centuries ago, intertwining botanical knowledge with folklore and symbolism. While birthstones have perhaps gained more widespread recognition, birth flowers offer equally meaningful connections to one's birth month. The Carnation, with its ruffled petals and remarkable longevity once cut, whispers tales of endurance, fascination, and distinction that resonate deeply with January personalities. Dive into the fascinating world of this charming flower and unravel the centuries of symbolism it holds for January-born individuals!

See our Carnations range.

Carnation as a January birth flower is said to represent characteristics of those who are born on this month. Let's get to know this charming flower and see if it indeed holds symbolism for those born on the first month of the year.

Facts About Carnations

Botanical Background

Scientifically known as Dianthus caryophyllus, the carnation belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. The genus name "Dianthus" derives from the Greek words "dios" (divine) and "anthos" (flower), literally meaning "flower of the gods." This perennial plant is characterised by a radial symmetry of ruffled petals forming layers that create a distinctive frilled appearance. It has slender, bluish-green leaves with a waxy coating and produces a sweet, clove-like scent that has made it popular in perfumery for centuries.

Physical Characteristics

The carnation plant typically grows up to 78 centimetres in height and forms bushy clumps with multiple stems. While the natural (original) colour of wild carnations was purple-pink, centuries of cultivation and hybridisation have produced varieties in virtually every colour of the rainbow—vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, green, and white are now common. Through genetic engineering, botanists have even developed blue-mauve carnations, a colour that was previously impossible to achieve through traditional breeding methods.

Each flower measures approximately 3-5 centimetres in diameter and consists of 5 petals with serrated edges. The long-lasting blooms can remain fresh for up to three weeks when cut, making them a favourite in floral arrangements and boutonnieres.

Global Distribution and Cultivation

Native to the Mediterranean region, particularly in areas around Italy and Greece, carnations are now cultivated worldwide. Major commercial producers include Colombia, Spain, Kenya, and Israel. The flowers thrive in well-drained soil with slightly alkaline pH levels and require full sunlight for optimal growth. They are relatively drought-tolerant once established, which contributes to their sustainability as cut flowers.

Culinary Uses

This flower is not only ornamental but also edible, with a mildly sweet, clove-like flavour. Many high-end restaurants incorporate carnation petals to add visual appeal and subtle flavouring to different dishes. They're particularly popular in salads, desserts, and as crystallised decorations for cakes and pastries. In France and Italy, carnations have a long history of being steeped in wine, creating aromatic cordials with subtle floral notes. The ancient Romans used carnation-infused wine for stomach ailments and fever reduction.

Medicinal and Cosmetic Applications

Carnations boast an impressive array of medicinal benefits that have been recognised across different cultures for centuries. In traditional Chinese medicine, the flower has been used to treat nervous disorders and fatigue. In France, carnation oil is highly regarded as a muscle relaxant, perfect for reducing inflammation and providing stress relief. The essential oil, which requires approximately 600 pounds of petals to produce just one pound of oil, contains eugenol (also found in cloves) which contributes to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Modern research has confirmed many traditional uses, showing that carnation extracts contain compounds with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Beyond inflammation reduction, carnation essential oil helps soften skin, prevents hair loss by strengthening hair follicles, and brings relief from digestive discomfort and stomach gas. In aromatherapy, the scent is believed to reduce stress and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Cultural Significance

Throughout history, carnations have held various symbolic meanings across cultures. In Korea, they're commonly used in fortune-telling, while in the Netherlands, they symbolise memory and remembrance. The longevity of cut carnations—sometimes lasting up to three weeks in water—has contributed to their popularity in ceremonial arrangements and as symbols of enduring emotions.

Symbolism of Carnation

Historical Symbolism

The carnation's symbolic significance spans thousands of years across diverse civilizations. In ancient Rome, carnations were known as "Flowers of the Gods" and were used in ceremonial crowns and garlands. Early Christians adopted the carnation as a symbol of the tears of the Virgin Mary—legend claims that pink carnations first bloomed where her tears fell as she watched Jesus carry the cross.

In Greek mythology, carnations are associated with Diana, the goddess of the hunt. According to one tale, Diana blamed a flute-playing shepherd for scaring away her prey. In her anger, she tore out his eyes, and carnations later sprouted where they fell—linking the flower to remembrance and innocent suffering.

Given carnations' striking appearance, this flower has long been associated with admiration and affection across cultures. Its charming, ruffled petals and soft, feminine appeal earned it the connotation "the flower of gratitude" during the Victorian era, when the language of flowers (floriography) was at its height of popularity. During this period, sending carnations conveyed specific sentiments that couldn't be openly expressed in the restrictive social climate.

Modern Symbolism and Cultural Significance

The carnation's connection to maternal love was cemented in Western culture through the first official celebration of Mother's Day in the United States. In 1908, celebration founder Anna Jarvis distributed white carnations—her deceased mother's favorited flower—to mothers who attended a memorial service at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Jarvis chose white carnations because they represented the virtues of motherhood: purity, faithfulness, and endurance. Carnations were subsequently established as the official Mother's Day flower, with a tradition developing where coloured carnations honoured living mothers while white carnations commemorated those who had passed away.

Carnations have also gained political significance in various countries. Red carnations became the symbol of the Portuguese Carnation Revolution of 1974, a military coup that overthrew the authoritarian Estado Novo regime. The flower is similarly significant in Spain and Italy as an emblem of labour movements and socialism.

In South Korea, carnations represent love and gratitude toward parents, given particularly on Parents' Day. In France, the purple carnation has become a traditional funeral flower, symbolising grief and mourning. In Japan, red carnations are the traditional flower for Mother's Day, representing the purity of a mother's love and admiration for her strength.

Oscar Wilde and his circle famously adopted green carnations as a secret symbol of homosexuality in the late 19th century, a tradition that continues in some LGBTQ+ communities today, particularly during Pride celebrations and St. Patrick's Day parades.

The Language of Colours in Floriography

In floriography, the Victorian-era "language of flowers," carnations carry nuanced meanings that vary by colour. This elaborate communication system allowed Victorians to express complex emotions through carefully arranged bouquets. The carnation's rich colour palette made it particularly versatile for conveying subtle messages:

• Light pink carnations denote gratitude and appreciation. They're often given as thank-you gifts and represent a mother's undying love, making them popular for Mother's Day.
• Dark pink carnations symbolise tenderness, fondness, or blooming love. They communicate deep affection without the romantic intensity of red, making them appropriate for familial relationships and early romantic attachments.
• Dark red carnations convey deep love and affection, representing the heart's profound devotion. In Turkish culture, they specifically symbolise the heartache of passionate love.
• Light red carnations express admiration and are often given to someone whose qualities you respect and admire, whether romantic or platonic.
• White carnations represent purity, innocence, and good luck. Beyond their association with remembrance in Mother's Day traditions, they're popular in wedding bouquets and religious ceremonies, symbolizing pure love and good fortune.
• Yellow carnations historically denote rejection, disappointment, or disdain. In some contexts, they communicate "you have disappointed me" or indicate jealousy. However, modern interpretations sometimes associate them with cheerfulness.
• Purple carnations signify capriciousness, unpredictability, apology, or sympathy. Their royal hue also connects them to dignity and nobility in some cultures, while in others they represent spiritual connection.
• Green carnations, beyond their association with St. Patrick's Day celebrations, symbolise rebirth, renewal, and nature. As mentioned earlier, they gained additional significance through Oscar Wilde's adoption of them as a subtle identifier.
• Striped carnations (not listed in the original text) represent regret that a love cannot be shared, often symbolising refusal or impossibility of a relationship.

The varying symbolism of carnation colours allows gift-givers to communicate precise sentiments through thoughtfully selected blooms, continuing a tradition of floral communication that spans centuries and crosses cultural boundaries.

What Carnation Birth Flower Says About Your Personality

Complementary Characteristics with Capricorn and Aquarius

Interestingly, the personality traits associated with the carnation birth flower complement the astrological signs that span January—Capricorn (December 22-January 19) and Aquarius (January 20-February 18). F

Capricorns are known for their discipline, responsibility, and practical approach to life, which aligns beautifully with the carnation's symbolism of endurance and reliability. The flower's association with loyalty and groundedness echoes Capricorn's steadfast nature.

For Aquarians, the carnation's distinctiveness and individuality reflect their innovative spirit and unique perspective. The flower's ability to stand out while maintaining grace parallels the Aquarian tendency to combine originality with humanitarian values.

Recognising These Traits in Yourself and Others

Do these character descriptions hold true for you or for someone you love born in January? While personality is shaped by countless factors beyond birth month, many January-born individuals report resonating with these carnation-associated traits. Perhaps you recognise the determined resilience in a January friend, or the protective devotion in a January-born family member.

These characteristics aren't deterministic prescriptions but rather insightful reflections that can deepen our appreciation for the nuanced personalities of those born in this winter month. Whether you fully identify with these traits or see only aspects of yourself reflected in them, they offer an interesting lens through which to understand patterns of behaviour and natural tendencies.

Celebrating January Personalities

The Carnation, with its varied hues and enchanting symbolism, beautifully mirrors the multifaceted personalities of those born in January. Genuine, loyal, and distinct—January-born individuals, much like their floral emblem, stand out and radiate warmth even during the coldest season. Their unique combination of groundedness and individuality creates personalities that enrich the lives of those around them through steady support and authentic presence.

Whether you identify with these characteristics as a January-born person or are celebrating someone special born in this month, a bouquet of carnations is a delightful and meaningful way to acknowledge and appreciate the unique qualities that January brings to the world. Select colours that reflect the specific aspects of their personality you most admire—perhaps dark pink for their tender care of others, white for their pure intentions, or red for their passionate dedication to causes they believe in.

First published 02/03/2020, Updated 08/05/2024, then completely worked over and published again on 23/04/2025.