The carnation is a beautiful flower which is native to the Near East and has been subject to cultivation for the past 2,000 years! Historians dispute where the term ‘carnation’ derives from, some arguing that it has its origin in the Greek “corone” which means “flower garlands” as they were used in Greek ceremonial crowns. Other historians argue that it originates in the Greek ‘carnis’ which means ‘flesh’, referring either to the colour of the flower or to ‘incarnation’, referring to the incarnation of God made flesh.
In Korea the carnation carries a very significant message. A young girl in Korea placed three carnations in her hair through which to predict her fortune. If the top flower perishes first, the last years of the girl’s life shall be arduous. If the middle flowers dies first before the other two, it is predicted that the early years of the girl’s life will bring her difficulties. If the bottom flower dies first of all, it is said that the girl will be miserable for her entire life. Oh dear! If my bottom flower died first I would simply blame it on the flower delivery instead!