Dianthus, its botanical name, means divine flower. Carnation was the
flesh-pink colour Elizabethan portrait painters used as a background wash.
Available in a huge range of colours, almost all except blue. Carnation blooms
are edible. With petals pulled apart, they can be used to sprinkle color &
spicy scent over the surface of a leafy salad, perhaps also with the addition
of a few honeysuckle trumpets & nasturtiums. There are folklores associated
with carnations, and one is supposed to be making a statement by the color
of carnation one is wearing:
Carnation (pink) - I'll never forget you
Carnation (purple) - Capriciousness; whimsical; changeable
Carnation (red) - My heart aches for you; admiration
Carnation (solid color) -Yes
Carnation (striped)- No; refusal; sorry I can't be with you; wish I could be
with you
Carnation (white) -Sweet and lovely; innocence; pure love; woman's good luck
gift
Carnation (yellow) - Rejection; disdain
Identification credit: Thingnam Girija
Photographed in cultivation in Delhi.
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The flower labeled Carnation is ...