Just as each month has a birth stone, each month also has a birth flower. The flower for January is the carnation. And it reminds me of Jesus.A Christian legend tells about carnations: Jesus' mother Mary cried while Jesus was carrying the cross to Calvary. When her tears fell to the ground, they became carnations.
Carnations have thus become a symbol of mother’s love.
When the second Sunday in May was selected as a day to celebrate mothers, Ann Jaris, the leader of the “Mother’s Day Movement” chose the carnation as a symbol of a mother’s unending love. A colored carnation is worn if that person’s mother is alive. A white carnation is worn if the person’s mother has died.
As for the meaning behind the word, some scholars believe that the word carnation comes either from the word coronation (to crown the king) or corone, which were flower garlands used in Greek ceremonial crowns—which included the carnation. Either base word reminds us of King Jesus.
Alternatively, it is believed that the word carnation comes from the Greek word carnis (meaning flesh), referring to the original color of the flower. By extension, carnis refers to the incarnation of God made flesh—as in Jesus.
Unlike more delicate flowers, the carnation is strong and sturdy—staying fresh for many days. Also, unlike the sweeter fragrance of others flowers, the carnation is spicy, remnicient of the spices brought by the magi as a gift to Jesus. The arrival of the magi is observed in January.
Happy birthday to everyone born in January!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for all the people born in January and for the lives lived for you. Thank you especially for Jesus. Show us things in this world daily that will remind us of Jesus and that glorify you. Amen.
WHAT ABOUT YOU? Any special carnation stories? Or January birthdays?
See other birth month flower posts:
http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/2011/12/poinsettias-and-promises.html December poinsettia
http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/2011/11/mums-word.html Novvember Chrysanthemum
http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/2011/10/marys-gold.html October Marigold
http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/2011/09/stars-and-glories.html September Asters and Morning Glories
http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/2011/08/glads-and-poppies.html August Gladiolas and Poppies
http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/2011/07/larkspurs-and-lilies.html July Larkspurs and Lilies
1 comment:
Thanks Carol, enjoyed learning about the January Flower :)
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