Every year, Mother’s Day is celebrated as a way of appreciating our mothers and maternal figures. With this, one of the most timeless gifts you can give to express your love and gratitude for your mom on Mother’s Day is a bouquet of fresh flowers. This guide will help you discover what the Mother’s Day flower is and lets you explore the different symbolism of each flower. Gives you an idea of how to choose the perfect bouquet for your Mother’s Day celebration.
What Is the Official Mother’s Day Flower?
Carnations are the Mother’s Day flower. This type of flower was used by Anna Jarvis, Mother’s Day founder, back in the early 1900s. She used white carnations to celebrate the life of her late mother, and through time, carnations started being associated with this occasion. They are also symbolizing love, purity, and gratitude, which makes it the perfect Mother’s Day flower.
What are the Meanings of Different Carnation Colors?
White carnations, which are also known by the name “Mother’s Day carnations”, are most commonly used on this occasion. However, their different colors also became popular through the years. Here’s what these colors symbolize:
White carnations
Photo: PV Productions
These carnations symbolize remembrance and admiration for mothers and mother figures. They are usually used to honor mothers who have passed away as their clean and pure color reflects undying love and respect for mothers even after they’re gone.
Pink carnations
Photo: Frimu Films
The Pink carnations is a representation of a mother’s undying love. They have a soft and gentle pastel color which is often associated with tenderness, gratitude, and affection. These flowers also tend to remind us of a mother's endless care and devotion towards her children and family.
Red carnations
Photo: PV Productions
Opposite of the white carnations, the red ones are often given to honor and celebrate living mothers. The color red gives a vibe of deep love and admiration for a mother’s great sacrifices.
Yellow carnations
Photo: Bedney Images
Yellow carnations symbolize disappointment or rejection. However, they can also convey cheerfulness when paired with other flowers. So be careful when gifting these carnations to your mom on Mother’s Day, as they might get the message wrong.
Purple carnations
Photo: PV Productions
The purple carnations represent capriciousness and unpredictability. They have rich hues that suggest mystery and spontaneity. Giving to your mother is a unique choice, especially if they embrace excitement and thrill.
Orange carnations
Photo: Master1305
Orange carnations signify warmth, enthusiasm, and fascination. It is the perfect gift for individuals who embody this trait, such as your mom, so it is also one of the top choices for carnations during Mother’s Day.
Striped carnations
Photo: Mr. Sira Phol
Striped carnations express regret or a refusal of something. With this, they become a more complex choice. While they are not commonly gifted during momentous occasions such as Mother’s Day, they are still lovely flowers that give a sentimental meaning if given.
What Are Traditional Mother’s Day Flowers?
While the carnations are declared the official Mother’s Day flower, several other flowers are also associated with this celebration. They are the following:
Roses
Photo: Jan Noon
They are often given in shades of pink and white and symbolize love, gratitude, and appreciation.
Lilies
Photo: Azer Baijan
Lilies represent purity and devotion, which makes them a heartfelt choice for moms on Mother’s Day.
Tulips
Photo: Diana Grytsku
These cheerful tulip flowers are a symbol of elegance and grace. They are perfect for celebrating mothers on Mother’s Day.
Orchids
Photo: Kamran Aydinov
They are known for their exotic beauty, which symbolizes strength, love, and admiration.
Daisies
Photo: Harit Anita
Daisies are a representation of innocence and cheerfulness, an ideal gift that will surely brighten a mother’s day.
How to Make the Perfect Mother’s Day Flower Arrangement
There’s nothing more meaningful than gifting your mother a bouquet that is personally arranged by you. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Select Fresh Flowers
Try to mix and match different types of Mother’s Day flowers. Among the best options are carnations, roses, and tulips. Use fresh blooms to ensure that the life span of the flowers is maximized and does not dry up quickly.
2. Pick a Vase or Basket
Ensure that the container you are getting complements the flower colors and enhances the arrangement. The right one will always add elegance and beauty to the arrangement.
3. Add Greenery
Greens such as ferns, eucalyptus, or fillers such as the baby’s breath can also be added to the arrangement. These will create a fuller and more elegant look to the flowers and maximize the space of the container.
4. Arrange by Height
To create a more elegant-looking arrangement, make sure to place taller flowers in the center and shorter blooms around the edges. This technique adds visual aesthetics to the arrangement. You may also play around with its varying height to achieve your desired design.
5. Personalize It
To make the arrangement more meaningful, finish it up by adding a heartfelt note or a ribbon in her favorite color. This will make it more emotional and sentimental.
Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day Arrangement?
Flowers are a beautiful way to express love and appreciation on Mother’s Day. Whatever type of flower you opt for, it is always much better if you know the real symbolism behind it. If you are still confused about what flowers to get and what arrangement to choose, you may visit Neroli Bloom and consult an expert florist to ensure your flower arrangement is as beautiful as your mom's!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the most popular flower for Mother’s Day?
Carnations are the official flowers for Mother’s Day so it is probably the most famous ones as well, In particular, the white and pink ones are the most common types as they symbolize love and admiration.
2. Can I give flowers other than carnations for Mother’s Day?
Yes. Although the traditional flowers for Mother’s Day are carnations, flowers like roses, lilies, tulips, orchids, and daisies are also given on Mother’s Day. It all depends deeply on your mother’s preferences and the intent.
3. What flower color should I avoid giving on Mother’s Day?
The yellow and striped carnations often symbolize negative feelings so they may not be the best choices for Mother’s Day. However, they can be combined thoughtfully with other flowers as complementaries.
