For many people, Spain embodies ebullient music, passionate flamenco guitar and sexy dancers wearing flaming red dresses. The country's flora emblem, the red carnation, just reminds you of a dancer's ruffled skirt.
Does the flower remind you of a flamenco dancer's skirt? /VCG Photo
In Spanish, the red carnation is called "clavel." It represents the affection between lovers and has also been used as a religious symbol for the passion of Christ. It is also part of many Spanish traditions. Widely grown in southern parts of Spain, the flower has been used to adorn windows of Spanish traditional white houses for its long-lasting beauty. In flamenco dancing, it is used as an ornament in the hair of dancers. The flower also appears in religious contexts, bullfighting, and parades. Romantic lovers propose to their beloved ones by holding the flower in their mouths while playing Spanish guitar under a window.
The scientific name of carnation is Dianthus, meaning "flowers of Gods" in Latin. The carnation has multiple colors from red, pink, orange, yellow to purple and white. Different colors carry different meanings, and the Spanish use the various colors to express feelings to those around them and their loved ones.
All carnations symbolize love and feelings of the heart but different colors of the flower also carry different meanings.
The red variety is a symbol of deep love and admiration. The white symbolizes purity and good luck. Pink represents gratitude and maternal love. And yellow is the symbol of disappointment or rejection. If a Spanish boy confesses his love to a girl, he may receive a carnation as an answer. A solid colored carnation means the answer is "yes," while a striped one signifies "I'm sorry, but I can't be with you."
Carnations are frequently used as gifts. /VCG Photo
About 'Plants & Nations'
"Plants & Nations" is a series of articles and pictures about common plants in the world. It serves as a guide to beautiful plants from different countries.
For more articles, please click here:
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(Cover image via VCG, designed by CGTN's Jia Jieqiong)
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