Learn about when you should gift white or pink carnations to your mom.
It turns out that carnations are historically and traditionally known as the flower for celebrating moms.
Rita Dancyger is a florist, former flower shop owner, and a floral partner of BloomNation.
Photo: selimaksan/Getty Images
Jarvis and her mother were known to have a white carnation garden at their home in Philadelphia.
Nearby neighborhoods and churches also began this tradition; thus, carnations became associated with Mother’s Day.
What Do Carnations Symbolize?
The carnation generally symbolizes love, specifically a mother’s eternal love for children.
People sometimes leave white carnations at their mother’s grave.
In contrast, red or pink carnations signify living mothers.
It’s believed that the colorful petals represent a beating heart and a mother’s love.
So don’t feel too bad for the flower just yet.
“I think it’s up to florists to create beautiful arrangements with the best carnation varieties.
Some people don’t even know carnations are being used when top-of-the-line varietals are featured in arrangements.”
