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Pinks Social
Aelfrida would have been unfamiliar with the plant that I so enjoy, as this cultivated variety didn't appear until the 1450's.
Here is a nice article on the search for the original medieval pink.
In Shakespeare's time, the gillyflower was a symbol of promiscuity because of how easily it hybridized.
Today, the carnation has come to be a symbol of many different movements, allegiances and life events. This site lists a few of them.
The lapel flower that Marty Robbins donned for his prom may have been responsible for the outcome of the evening since pink carnations represent a mother's love. He may have done better with a red one that told of his love for his date.
If you'd like to send your love a message in a nosegay, here is a tutorial on the history of Victorian tussy-mussies and how to make one and here are some possible meanings for the carnations to go in it.
The cut flower industry in America is a large business and relies heavily on carnations. Most of these flowers are now imported from South America.
So we find that the humble pink has a fairly large family and that the star of the group has changed a bit over time. It is well known and loved but tends to take a supporting role rather than the spotlight these days. For myself, I prefer a pot of old fashioned pinks on the porch steps. How about you?
