National Carnation Day
About National Carnation Day
When is National Red Carnation Day? This holiday is always observed on January 29
Today is National Carnation Day. This January 29 holiday is also called Red Carnation Day. This holiday celebrates the popular and versatile carnation flower. It also honors President William McKinley who was very fond of carnations.
President McKinley considered carnations lucky and often wore them on the lapel of his suitcoat. As a matter of fact, he gave away his carnation moments before he was assassinated. Without the lucky carnation, his luck quickly ran out.
Florists and gardeners alike love carnations. They are easy to grow and look great in cottage gardens. And, carnations have all sorts of floral uses. The long-lasting flowers are popular in boutonnieres, corsages, and bouquets. Cut arrangements, dried or fresh, look great indoors in vases grouped together, or mixed among other flowers. Single carnations are attractive in small vases, too.
Did You Know? Carnation flowers are edible. We hope you are hungry. And, if that’s not enough for you to absolutely love them, they have medicinal applications, too.
Carnation Trivia
Here is some interesting trivia to think about as you enjoy this flowery holiday:
- Florists dye the flowers for special occasions. For example, there are no green carnations. So, florists dye white flowers green for Saint Patrick’s Day.
- The botanical name for carnations is “Dianthus”. It translates to “flower of the gods”.
- Carnations have been cultivated for over 2,000 years.
- Ancient Greek and Roman cultures used them in garlands.
- Ancient Greeks believed carnations first bloomed from the tears of the goddess Venus.
- The French make a liquor from the flowers.
- Brew the flower petals in a tea to relieve anxiety and stress.
- Pink carnations are used in many countries as a gift on Mother’s Day.
- Like President McKinley, many people believe they bring good luck.
President William McKinley and the Red Carnation
In 1876, William McKinley from Ohio ran on the Republican ticket for a seat in the U.S. Congress. Prior to a debate, his good friend Democrat Levi Lamborn, gave McKinley a boutonniere made of “Red Lamborn” carnations. Mckinley went on to win the election. And so began a lifetime love affair with red carnations. His “Lucky Carnation” served him well as he went on to become the governor of Ohio and later the 25th President of the United States. McKinley almost always wore a carnation on his lapel and usually had a vase full of them in his office.
Wearing his lucky carnation almost everywhere, McKinley’s luck ran out at the Pan-American Exhibition in Buffalo, New York on September 6, 1901. For some unknown reason, he removed the carnation from his lapel and gave it to a young girl in the crowd. Without his lucky carnation, McKinley was mortally wounded at the convention a short time later. He died of his wounds on September 14, 1901.
Carnation Color Meaning and Symbolism
Like rose colors, the color of carnations represents different meanings. Here is what the color of carnations symbolizes:
- White represents chastity, innocence, and purity. It is also a sign of good luck.
- Red carnations are a symbol of friendship, admiration, and love.
- Dark red represents deep love and affection.
- Pink carnations are a sign of gratitude or thankfulness.
- Orange signifies rejection or creativity.
- Purple symbolizes eccentricity or capriciousness.
- Yellow carnations represent disappointment or rejection.
- Green carnations are dyed. They represent celebration and appreciation. On Saint Patrick’s Day, you’ll find green carnations everywhere you look.
- Blue carnations are dyed. They represent mystery and peace.
- In romantic proposals, solid carnation colors represent acceptance of the proposal. Striped flowers signify refusal.
- Looking for a floral gift for your first anniversary? Choose carnations.
Ways to Celebrate National Carnation Day
- Wear a red carnation as a boutonniere or a corsage.
- Buy carnations and put them into a vase in your home and where you work.
- Hand out red carnations to family, friends, and even strangers.
- Buy some seeds so you can grow them in your garden this spring.
Today's Quote
“That’s all a man can hope for during his lifetime – to set an example – and when he is dead, to be an inspiration for history.” – – President William McKinley
History and Origin of National Carnation Day
In 1903, two years after President William McKinley’s assassination, National Red Carnation Day was created. It honors President McKinley and his love of red carnations.
The original date for this holiday was established on September 14 in recognition of the day President McKinley died. It was later changed to January 29, his birthday. Proponents of this change felt holding this holiday on his birth date was more cheerful than the day he died. And, carnations are the birth flower for January.
We celebrate this holiday annually.
Related Holidays
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More January 29 Holidays
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More About Today
Flower of the Day: Carnations
Recipe of the Day: Tomato ‘n Beef Casserole
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