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January Facts

Carnation

Birth Flower: Carnation

Botanical Name: Dianthus caryophyllus
Pronunciation: dy-AN-thus ka-ry-AHF-i-lus
Availablity: year-round
Decorative Life: 7-21 days


About This Flower:
Carnations, best known for their hearty vase life of up to three weeks, are widely available, and come in a plethora of colors ranging from white, yellow, pink, red, salmon, deep purple, bi-colors and flecked. Carnation’s clove-like scent and spiciness once enhanced wine and ale, inspiring the name "sops-in-wine," which is occasionally still used.

Birth Stone: Garnet Garnet

The name garnet comes from the Roman word 'granatus' meaning 'seed', as the gems were thought to resemble pomegranate seeds. Most people picture the dark red bohemian garnet that was popular in Victorian times, but you may be surprised to learn that garnets are found in every color except blue!

Legend holds that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for illumination. Garnets reportedly give their wearers guidance in the night and protection from nightmares. Until the 18th century, garnets were thought to heal wounds and stop blood flow and were often worn by soldiers. They were also said to promote true love, warn of danger by changing color, and protect the wearer's home from fire and lightning.

Garnets are found in the U.S., Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil and India.