Funeral Flowers and Their Symbolic Meaning (2024)

A funeral is a ceremony for commemorating the lives of the recently passed. Funeral customs consist of varying beliefs and practices used by a culture to commemorate the dead, including the construction of monuments, recitation of prayers, and execution of rituals. Customs vary between cultures, religious affiliations, and familial preference. One traditional practice involves giving sympathy flowers to the deceased. Flowers carry several symbolic meanings for each arrangement. Some of these meanings evolved from experience, tradition, and religions unbeknownst to the masses. Nevertheless, these beliefs and customs continue today in reverence to those who have died. Choosing the wrong flower arrangement could turn a well-intentioned sympathy gift into an offensive display; therefore, it is wise for people to know their intentions before sending flowers to a funeral home as an expression of their sentiments. Study the following meanings of these funeral flowers to prevent unwanted responses from the bereaved.

Lilies

Lilies are commonly associated with funeral services, mainly because their beauty and simplicity makes them suitable for such an occasion. Lilies evoke a feeling of peace and tranquility. Symbolically, these flowers promote the notion that the soul of the person has returned to a state of innocence. Be careful when selecting lilies, as their color and variety significantly changes the meaning behind the arrangement. For instance, white lilies symbolize purity and appear at funerals more often than other varieties. Stargazer lilies symbolize sympathy, which makes them an appropriate option for the loved ones of the recently departed. Oriental lilies symbolize eternal life, making them the perfect option at religious services commemorating the dead.

Gladioli

Gladioli flowers have a tall stem composed of multiple flowers that may grow up to 4 feet tall. The term gladioli derives from the Latin word gladius, which translates to sword. As a result, many people refer to them as the sword lily because of the way they look. The gladioli carry several symbolic meanings, including strength of character, sincerity, and integrity. The gladioli can be given in any range of colors, including white, red, pink, purple, orange, green, salmon, and yellow.

Carnations

Carnations are a popular choice for sympathy arrangements, especially since they have a long-lasting fragrance. Each color evokes or symbolizes an emotion. For instance, red carnations evoke admiration for a loved one that has passed. Pink carnations stand for remembrance of the deceased. White carnations symbolize untainted love and innocence.

Chrysanthemums

Funeral attendees may often spot mums in flower arrangements for funeral services. Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, carry several cultural meanings surrounding the death of a loved one. In some European countries, mums are only found at funerals or on grave sites. In China, Japan, and Korea, white mums carry a symbolic meaning of lamentation and grief. In the United States, mums symbolize truth and help to promote a cheerful atmosphere.

Roses

Many people consider roses a symbolic gesture of intimate love towards a person. While this remains true of certain colors and varieties, roses can be a great addition to funeral flower arrangements. For instance, white roses evoke feelings of reverence, innocence, humility, and youthfulness. Pink roses stand for love, appreciation, grace, and gentility. Dark red roses express grief and sorrow. Friends of the deceased can give yellow roses to symbolize their loyalty. A single rose in a bouquet symbolizes enduring love for the recently passed.

Peace Lily Plant

The Peace Lily includes all of the species of plants in the Spathiphyllum genus. The Peace Lily has been long thought to promote harmony, innocence, peace, and purity after death. In Latin, the term Spathiphyllum translates to "peace and prosperity." Peace Lilies can be described as having star-shaped white flowers with rich green leaves. The Peace Lily is perfect for funerals with a religious ceremony, especially in reverence to the Virgin Mary. They have also been associated with Christ's resurrection, because they die during the winter and come back during spring.

Orchid Plant

Orchids have a graceful appearance that draws attention. As a long-lasting elegant flower, it is the perfect gift for many occasions. Their exotic look promotes a feeling of renewal and innocence. The sentimental meaning of orchids varies according to its color and variety; therefore, it is important for the giver to understand the meaning of each orchid before sending them to a funeral home. In general, orchids carry a sentimental message of undying love. Depending on their color, the meaning could change to one of sympathy. Pink and white orchids are typically found in funeral arrangements.

Hydrangea Plant

Hydrangea plants are the perfect gift for a grieving family who recently lost a loved one. As a seasonal spring plant, the hydrangea offers a sense of renewal. It can be planted in any garden or indoor pot with moist soil. In fact, these hardy plants continue to bloom for many years after they have been planted. The hydrangea is given with heart-felt sincerity and sympathy for the bereaved.

Daffodils and Tulips

Daffodils and tulips send a message of renewal, especially bright yellow varieties. Both flowers bring encouragement and hope to a grieving family. Funeral attendees send daffodils and tulips in an arrangement to bring a feeling of cheerfulness to an otherwise gloomy event. Tulips symbolize elegance and grace. White tulips represent forgiveness. Red tulips communicate perfect love.

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Written By Ava Rose.