Carnation

The carnation carries a name rooted in antiquity. Derived from medieval Latin 'clavellus' meaning 'small nail' or 'small clove', the term references the flower's delicate, tapered petals. Ancient Greeks knew it as 'Dianthos', the divine flower or flower of the gods, while Romans incorporated it extensively into ceremonies and festivities throughout their empire.

Throughout history, the carnation has accumulated layers of symbolism. In Medieval art, it represented betrothal and was woven into garlands for engagement celebrations. Ancient Athenians honored their gods with carnation garlands and adorned the drinks of young fiancés with the blooms. The flower has also carried associations with courage and defiance. Aristocrats during the French Revolution wore carnations on their way to the guillotine, and soldiers of Grand Condé threaded them through their uniform buttonholes.

By the Victorian and Edwardian eras, carnation had become a fashionable perfume note. Its spicy, clove-like character graced the compositions of legendary houses including Guerlain, Caron, and Coty. The flower later became a subtle symbol of identity, as Oscar Wilde was known to wear a carnation on his shirt as a discreet nod to his sexuality. Though sometimes dismissed as old-fashioned today, carnation remains an essential building block in the perfumer's palette.