Carnation in Perfume (National Carnation Day)

According to legend, President William McKinley was incredibly superstitious.

He had been given a red carnation before a congressional contest that he went on to win and thereafter became attached to the luck he believed the flower carried. He was regularly seen to be wearing them, filled his offices with them and often gave them out to supporters.

It wasn't until 14th September 1901, whilst he was greeting supporters in New York, that a young girl asked for the red carnation he had pinned to his lapel.

Although he was rarely seen to unpin his own he granted her wish, but as he moved on down the line he was shot in the abdomen and died eight days later.

Many people believe that President McKinley's luck left him when he took off that carnation and in memorial of the 25th President, National Carnation Day was instated.

THE SCENT OF CARNATION

'Ma Muse' by Dalí Haute Parfumerie


Carnation in perfume is surprisingly spicy, often compared to notes like Clove or is referred to as a 'Spicy Rose' note.

Coming from the botanical varieties of Asteraceae and Caryophyllus, it was considered by Ancient Greeks to be a divine flower, is often given as a gift on Mother's Day and has been symbolic for many notable people in history, such as Oscar Wilde and Henri IV.