Nelgi (Nelk)
Carnation, pink, dianthus (from the Greek, God’s flower: Διός [Dios] ‘of Zeus’ and ἀνθός [anthos] flower). Three species indigenous to Estonia
- Nurmnelk, maiden pink, Dianthus deltoides, with dark red blossoms
- Nõmmnelk, sand pink, D. arenarius, with white blossoms;
- Aasnelk, large (lit. meadow) pink, D. superbus, with pink blossoms, i.e. a pink pink.
The name ‘pink’ seems originally unrelated to its color (although some people think the flower might have given the color its name), but refers to the fringed, or ‘pinked’ edges. Pinking shears, as every needle-person knows, are scissors designed for cutting fabric in zigzag lines to limiting fraying. The carnation is also one of Estonia’s favorite (or perhaps just commonest) gift flowers. See also Sinilille.
