Birth flower for January
The carnation has been cultivated for over two thousand years, and its name may derive from 'coronation' — the flower was used in Greek ceremonial crowns. In the language of flowers, a red carnation means admiration, a pink one remembrance, and a white one pure love. Carnations are among the most durable cut flowers, lasting up to three weeks in a vase, which made them a staple of the floral trade long before refrigerated shipping existed. They are the traditional flower of Mother's Day, chosen by Anna Jarvis in 1907 because they were her own mother's favorite.
Why Carnation for January?
The carnation became January's birth flower because it is one of the few flowers that blooms reliably in winter. Its hardiness and long vase life made it the flower most available during the coldest month, and its association with divine love (the name may derive from 'incarnation') gave it spiritual weight appropriate for the start of a new year.