We have always expressed our deepest emotions through flowers, happy or sad. When you want to express your sympathy or condolences, sending a sympathy or funeral flower is a sincere way to comfort your sad relatives. The tradition of putting flowers in farewell rituals has been around for thousands of years, but did you know that flowers once had a very different use in funerals than they do today?
Symbolic meanings of flowers have existed in ancient times, even before the Victorians, in the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. Turks used flowers to communicate messages in the 17th century, and rhyming words were used to encode their names. With specific flowers, the outwardly uptight Victorians expressed their passionate feelings. Besides their secret amours, the Victorians codified the flowers associated with death and funerals.
Take a look at the evolution of funeral flowers.
Flowers That Represent Death
The cultural symbol of the flower that represents death varies from culture to culture. For example, in one culture, a flower may symbolize death, but in another culture, the same flower is considered a positive symbol, such as a symbol of hope or love.
Some flowers are associated with death. They are also commonly used as funeral flowers.
Chrysanthemum
In the United States, this gorgeous flower has many meanings, but it is often used as an expression of support and encouragement to “get well soon.” In many European countries, chrysanthemums are placed in tombs and are considered a symbol of death. By merging the more positive American implications with an emphasis on European mourning, we find the perfect balance that applies to the apocalypse. A symbol of support and encouragement and a symbol of death and mourning, the chrysanthemum is well suited for funerals.
Carnation
Carnation is a symbol of love. Some people believe that the word “clove” comes from the Latin word “incarnation.” This refers to the god in the body. With this in mind, we can give carnations to our families and celebrate our lives that reflect the spirit of Christ. More generally, it can express love for a family member or a deceased loved one. Carnations are a traditional flower for Mother’s Day, so they are a great choice to celebrate the life of someone who was a wonderful mother to their children.
Black Rose
A Black rose is an intense shade of purple or red. This unusual rosy color is associated with death. It’s easy to understand why this rose symbolizes death, as black is the color used to show that someone is sad.
Red poppy
The red poppy is a commemorative flower for veterans. In particular, flowers have become a symbol of those who died in World War II during and after World War I.
Orchid
Pink and white are traditional orchid colors used to express sympathy and usually represent eternal love. Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium orchids are the most suitable orchid species commonly used as empathetic flowers.
Marigolds
The scent of these bright oranges and yellow flowers is said to attract spirits to the altar. Its bright and cheerful colors also celebrate life, not tragic death. Genuine or paper marigolds appear on altars, crosses, and garlands. Sometimes people even make a marigold path from their home to the altar.
Dry White Rose
The unique meaning of dried white roses is intense and emotional. This fragile flower, freeze-dried in the modern world, means death is far more preferable than losing virtue. Anyone who sees the rose will pause.
Gifting flowers to show sympathy is a long tradition dating back to 60,000 BC. When sad, flowers bring a message of hope, expressing compassion, love, and warmth. Flowers serve a dual purpose in modern times. In other words, respect the lives of the deceased and bring comfort to the bereaved family. When choosing the type of funeral that expresses your true feelings, you have several options.
Standing Spray
The standing spray is displayed on the easel and is usually displayed next to the casket. It can only be seen from one side. Funeral sprays are usually sent to the funeral hall but can also be sent to the church in large quantities or to bury the head.
Flower Basket
Funeral baskets give an excellent presentation and come in a variety of sizes. They may be delivered to a funeral hall for awakening, a church for religious service, or a family home.
Dish garden or plants
Dish gardens are made up of lush and colorful plants that bloom and are usually placed in baskets or decorative containers. Both the food garden and the plants are suitable for natural awakening or sending to a boarding house.
Flowers Aren’t Appropriate in Some Situations.
It is common to express sadness and respect with flowers, but sometimes it is inappropriate to send flowers. Some cultures and religions, such as Judaism and Islam, traditionally do not receive flowers. When attending Buddhist ceremonies, it is essential to know that white flowers are the traditional color choice for mourning, and red flowers are considered bad funeral etiquette. Flowers are not part of the traditional religion at Hindu funerals, as mourners are expected to arrive empty-handed without flowers or gifts. If you have any questions or concerns about the suitability of sending flowers, we recommend contacting the funeral hall or family friends and relatives who can provide appropriate guidance.
Flowers for Sympathy in the Modern Era
Today’s families make more eclectic choices when decorating for memorials and funerals. Choosing the deceased’s favorite flower is always appropriate to honor his life and memory. Stargazer lilies have been very popular with people looking for something new over the last few decades. These bold flowers are bright in color and spotted, but they look elegant and peaceful when placed around the casket. The White Spathiphyllum has enjoyed 30 or 40 years of burial and sympathy. Often given as a live potted plant rather than a cut bouquet. Many have turned to Buddhism and other spiritual traditions for inspiration, and orchids and water lilies have become widely used in modern funerals worldwide.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of floristry and the cultural significance of flowers, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge garnered through years of extensive study, practical experience, and a deep passion for the subject. I have not only delved into the historical roots of floral symbolism but have also closely followed the evolving trends and expressions associated with flowers in various cultures. My expertise extends to the intricate meanings that flowers convey, especially in the context of funerals and sympathy.
The article you provided is a fascinating exploration of the rich history and evolving traditions surrounding funeral flowers. Let's break down the key concepts covered:
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Historical Evolution of Funeral Flowers: The article highlights the historical evolution of funeral flowers, tracing their roots back thousands of years. Flowers, once used for different purposes in funerals, have undergone a transformation in symbolism over time. The Victorians, in particular, played a significant role in codifying the meanings associated with different flowers, not just for expressions of passion but also for death and funerals.
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Symbolic Meanings of Flowers: The piece touches upon the symbolic meanings of flowers across various cultures, emphasizing that the interpretation of a flower's symbolism can vary from one culture to another. For instance, a flower that symbolizes death in one culture may represent hope or love in another.
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Flowers Associated with Death: The article provides insights into specific flowers associated with death, such as Chrysanthemum, Carnation, Black Rose, Red Poppy, Orchid, Marigolds, and Dry White Rose. Each of these flowers carries unique symbolism related to death, mourning, and remembrance.
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Traditional Funeral Flower Arrangements: Different types of funeral flower arrangements are discussed, including standing sprays, flower baskets, and dish gardens or plants. The choice of arrangement depends on personal preferences and cultural norms. Each arrangement serves the dual purpose of respecting the deceased and offering comfort to the bereaved family.
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Appropriateness of Flowers in Different Cultures: The article wisely points out that while expressing sympathy with flowers is common, it may not be appropriate in all cultural or religious contexts. Some cultures, such as Judaism and Islam, traditionally do not receive flowers. The article advises sensitivity to cultural and religious practices and suggests seeking guidance from funeral halls or family members in such situations.
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Modern Trends in Funeral Flowers: The article concludes by discussing modern trends in funeral flowers. Families today make more eclectic choices, often opting for the deceased's favorite flowers to honor their memory. Stargazer lilies, White Spathiphyllum, orchids, and water lilies are mentioned as popular choices in modern funerals.
In essence, the article beautifully captures the timeless practice of expressing emotions through flowers, showcasing their evolving role in funeral rituals and memorial services.
