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National Carnation Day

Honor the timeless beauty and symbolism of carnations on National Carnation Day - join us in celebrating these lovely flowers!

Friday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 29

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYNature

SUBCATEGORYPlants

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the beauty and symbolism of carnations on National Carnation Day on January 29! This special day dates back to the late 1800s when President William McKinley declared the pink carnation as the official flower of Mother's Day. But these flowers have been cherished for centuries, representing love, affection, and admiration. From their delicate petals to their sweet fragrance, it's no wonder that carnations are a favorite among gardeners and florists alike. So let's take a moment to appreciate these lovely blooms and all they represent on this special day.

TIMELINE

National Carnation Day Timeline

Carnations in Art

Carnations frequently appeared in 15th century art, particularly in paintings by the Italian Renaissance artists.

McKinley's Pink Carnation

President William McKinley declared the pink carnation as the official flower of Mother's Day in the late 1800s.

State Flower of Ohio

The Ohio state legislature declared the red carnation as their state flower, in honor of President William McKinley.

Carnation Revolution

The Carnation Revolution occurred in Portugal, a military coup that was peaceful and thus gained its name after the flower.

National Carnation Day

The first celebration of National Carnation Day to honor the beauty and symbolism of this bloom.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Carnation Day

Make a carnation bouquet

Gather some carnations and create a beautiful bouquet to display in your home. You can also give bouquets as gifts to friends and family to spread the joy of National Carnation Day.

WEAR

Wear a carnation pin

Show your support for National Carnation Day by wearing a carnation pin. You can find these at most craft stores or online, and they make a great addition to any outfit.

TRY

Try cooking with carnations

Surprise your taste buds by incorporating carnations into your cooking! They can be used in salads, desserts, and even as a flavoring in drinks. Get creative and experiment with this unique ingredient.

HOST

Host a carnation-themed party

Invite your friends over for a celebration filled with all things carnation. From decorations to food and drinks, make sure everything at the party is dedicated to this beautiful flower.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a local flower garden

Spend National Carnation Day giving back by volunteering at a local flower garden. You can help plant and care for carnations while also learning more about these beloved flowers.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Carnation Day is Important

It's a chance to give back through charity

National Carnation Day is not only about celebrating the beauty and significance of carnations, but it's also a day to give back. Many organizations sell carnations on this day to raise funds for various charities, making it a great opportunity to spread love and kindness to those in need.

It's a celebration of an iconic flower

Carnations have been used to express love, gratitude and friendship for centuries. National Carnation Day is the perfect opportunity to appreciate and celebrate this beautiful and meaningful flower that holds so much significance in our lives.

It's a time to show appreciation and love

Carnations are also known as the "flower of love" and are often given on special occasions like Mother's Day or Valentine's Day. National Carnation Day is a reminder to take the time to show appreciation and love to those who mean the most to us with this beautiful and meaningful flower.