Opinions differ about the origin of the name of carnation. While in the opinion of some scholars the flower has derived its name from the word ‘coronation’ as the Greek used to make crowns with the flower during ceremonies. Again, another group opines that carnation represents the colour of flesh as the original colour of the flower was pinkish yellow, according to the Latin word ‘carnis’ which means flesh. Spain has accepted the red carnation as the national flower of the country for entirely different reasons.

The flower is highly symbolic in Spanish life. The flower stands for love, fascination and distinction. While the lighter shade of red signifies admiration, the deep red ones stand for deep love and affection of the heart. A bouquet of red carnation symbolizes a heart aching for its lover. Therefore, the red carnation is an integral part of the Spanish weddings. The flower is also worn on special occasions like Mother’s Day.

Grown in the neutral to slightly alkaline well drained soils of Spain, the red carnation is found abundantly due to their easy cultivation all over the country and is popularly seen in almost every garden, used for landscaping and as it lasts considerably longer it is well known as a cut flower.