History

• According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the carnation, indigenous to the Mediterranean, includes both the garden and continual flowering varieties. The first reference to this flower appeared in ancient Greek and Roman culture.
  
  

Significance

• The carnation's scientific name is Dianthus caryophyllus, which means "flower of love." Most colors, therefore, relate to love. For example, the red carnation conveys the main message of "my heart aches for you."
  
  

Shade

• This flower's shade also impacts its meaning. Dark red carnations represent love, while the lighter variety signifies admiration, according to ProFlowers.com.
  
  

State Symbol

• In remembrance of native son William McKinley, the red carnation became Ohio's official flower in 1904. McKinley, the 25th president of the United States, was assassinated three years earlier and used to wear the bloom on his lapel.
  
  

Birth and Marriage

• In addition, the carnation--including the red one--officially marks two significant milestones, according to Teleflora.com. It honors couples celebrating their first wedding anniversary, and those born in January.