Have you ever wondered why cloves were called cloves? Where did the flowers come from? The term "name" somehow does not really go to these beautiful creatures of nature. As a rule, the history of their appearance is usually associated with mythology. As you probably already guessed, the heroine of this article is a carnation. Her story was no exception. Why the carnation flower is so named, we will understand further.
origin of name
Why was cloves called cloves? From Latin its name (Dianthus) can be translated as "divine flower." Myths say that she is the favorite of the ancient Greek god Zeus. Another option, why cloves were called cloves, is that the Germans gave her a name for the similarity of the flower with a certain spice.
The Carnation Legend
Why a carnation flower was called carnation and where it came from, tells a beautiful legend. The ancient Greek goddess of hunting Diana was out of sorts, as one of her days passed without prey. On the way, she met a beautiful young shepherd who played the flute. The goddess came into a real rage and accused the young man of scaring her game. The young shepherd knelt and begged to forgive him, assuring that he was not guilty of anything, but the goddess was adamant. In a fit of rage, she attacked the young man and pulled out his eyes. Recollecting herself, the immortal realized the horror of her act. To perpetuate these eyes, which looked so plaintively at her, the goddess threw them on the path, and carnations appeared from them.
When a flower appeared in history
The appearance of cloves is associated with the name of St. Louis. She was brought from the Crusades by the military, who besieged Tunisia in his last campaign. The Crusaders brought with them not only flowers, but also the plague. During the terrible epidemic, which claimed many lives, the king, versed in herbs, decided that clove is the "antidote." He ordered to drink with boiled broth the sick soldiers. The medicine helped many and stopped the epidemic, but the French king himself could not be protected from the disease.
Carnation as the emblem of the Royal House
Prince Conde (Louis the Second of Bourbon) simply adored carnations. By intrigue, Cardinal Mazarin put him in jail. While imprisoned, the prince grew his favorite flowers under the window. His wife, meanwhile, did not give up, raised a rebellion and ensured that Conde was released. Since then, carnation has symbolized the supporters of the prince and has become the emblem of the entire Bourbon house.
During the revolution that took place in France in 1793, innocent people decorated themselves with a carnation flower during the execution. In this way, they expressed that they were dying for their king. And the girls, seeing off their beloved, presented them with red carnations as a sign of the wish of victory and return home healthy.
Warriors believed that carnation was able to work miracles, and carried flowers as a talisman with them during the battle.
On which holidays can I give cloves
Why cloves were called cloves is now clear. But nevertheless it is not very customary to give it, at least in our country. Most often, cloves are a guest at a funeral or at the Eternal Flame. These flowers are usually presented to veterans on Victory Day, or they are part of school bouquets.
When is it still appropriate to present these flowers? There are several options:
- As a gift to a man. Then the shades should only be dark.
- For the boss or boss. If the leader is a woman, you need to choose light colors. Remember the episode from the Soviet film "Office Romance", where Novoseltsev stealthily gives his director Lyudmila Prokofievna a bouquet of red and white carnations?
- Pink carnations will tell the young girl about the feelings of her chosen one better than any words.
- If you do not want to choose roses for your wedding bouquet, stop at carnations; such a bouquet will look very gentle and almost weightless.
- For the soul of the company, multi-colored flowers are best suited.
Color shades
Clove has a rich color scheme. Among its shades can be distinguished:
- white - they are so tender that resemble the feathers of a swan;
- pink, pastel to poisonous fuchsia;
- saturated red, some of them appear black;
- warm beige and orange shades;
- flowers with multi-colored petals - torn leaves will give such a bouquet cheerful notes.
Wedding bouquets
In the language of flowers, carnation expresses faithful love. If the wedding bouquet is made up of flowers of the same hue, this means that complete understanding will prevail between the spouses. The bride, who chose carnations for the wedding bouquet, will become a faithful spouse to her husband. These flowers are in harmony with lisianthus, roses, irises.
Interesting flower facts
If you wondered why cloves were so named, other facts related to it may seem worthy of attention:
- From the earliest times, carnation was considered a medicinal flower. With its help, diseases were healed, it was stored in the house and was worn on the body as a talisman against everything bad.
- Red carnation symbolizes kindness and justice.
- According to legend, in England and Germany, this flower was associated with love and purity.
- Carnation was Shakespeare's favorite flower.
- Goethe considered her a symbol of strong friendship and stamina.
- It is cloves that can be found in the paintings of artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Rafael and Rembrandt.
- In Belgium, this flower is considered a symbol of the poor and ordinary people.
- Carnation is not depicted on the coat of arms of Italy. The girls considered her a mediator in heart affairs.
- The aroma of cloves will calm, give a good mood and positive emotions to its owner.
Now you know why the flower was called carnation. We hope that the article’s material has helped to re-evaluate its beauty, and now it is associated not only with tragedy and blood.