THE CARNATION

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Although the fruit of the buckeye tree has symbolized Ohio since the middle 1800’s, it wasn’t until 1904 that the scarlet carnation was chosen as our official state flower. This flower was a favorite of William McKinley and was adopted by the state legislature partly because it represented a token of love and reverence for the Ohio president.

When legislator Elijah W. Hill introduced the adoption resolution on the floor of the Ohio House of Representatives he said in part:

“England has the rose, France has the lily; Ireland has the shamrock; Scotland, the thistle. These flowers awaken in the hearts of the natives of these countries memories of home, fireside, childhood days, sweet sorrows, family ties, and incidents of the land of their nativity. To these ends we seek to adopt the scarlet carnation as Ohio’s floral emblem.”

The turn of the century dandies would not leave the house without a red or white carnation in the buttonhole of their suit. With the end of this tradition, and the fact that carnations are so easily cultivated and grown, the flower has lost some of its popularity.

Carnations send a message:
A red carnation bouquet means, “My heart aches for you,” and a white bouquet of carnations means the sender is saying; “I am still available.” The meaning of the flower is: Fascination and devoted love.”

How appropriate.

Hiram Abiff
The Widow’s Son

"No man has ever knelt at our altar of Obligation an arose the same man."
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