Nothing can make up for the loss of a loved one. However, there are some things can lift one’s spirits and bring a little brightness into an atmosphere that is full of grief and sadness. Some things, by their very presence, can have a comforting effect on people that are grieving. They’re funeral flowers and by default, have a very gentle and calming demeanour about them.
With their natural beauty, refreshing presence, and symbolic meanings, flowers are an important tradition at funerals in the United Kingdom and throughout the world. Different blooms can express a range of sentiments, so the flowers you choose can help you send your feelings of sympathy and loss. Ultimately though, choosing the right floral arrangement(s) comes down to not just flower meanings but also personal taste and the relationship you had with the person who passed away. It is all down to individual tastes, but there is a standard language of flowers that can help you send the right message; one that’s both meaningful and personal.
S. Stibbards & Sons have created this guide to the symbolic meanings of the different funeral flowers, all of which are typically readily available at most florist establishments in the United Kingdom. The different types of flowers and arrangements can be used in combination with one another or mixed with the blooms you feel express your personal taste, sentiment or that of the deceased.
Lilies
Lilies are the most popular choice of flowers for funerals in the UK, as they have strong ties to views about life after death. Lilies signify purity and luminosity. When you bring lilies to a funeral, you suggest that the deceased’s soul has been renewed to a state of innocence.
White stargazer lilies, especially, symbolise ambition, sympathy and compassion. Oriental lilies represent eternal life, and peace lilies suggest a rebirth following death. If you want to show your appreciation for the deceased one’s life, then consider Casablanca lilies, which symbolise positivity and celebration.
Roses
Roses are one of the most loved flowers in the United Kingdom and around the world for all manner of occasions, and each variety has its own special meaning. In the context of a funeral service, white roses symbolise purity, humility and innocence, whereas red express love and respect and pink represents gratefulness to the deceased.
A yellow rose is often given by friends to denote their deep ties, while the traditional dark crimson rose suggests deep sorrow and grief. A single rose in a bouquet of flowers is a particularly heartrending way to express abiding love for the deceased.
Orchids
While all orchids symbolise love and beauty, the colour of the orchid can change the meaning and intention of the flower. Below is what each colour of orchid means.
- Red. Red orchids symbolise affection and desire but can also express strength and bravery.
- Blue. These orchids represent individualism and rareness.
- Green. Green orchids are traditionally thought to bring good fortune and luck. They represent good health, nature and the longevity of life.
- White. White orchids represent reverence, innocence and purity.
- Yellow. Yellow orchids represent friendship, happiness and new beginnings.
- Pink. Pink orchids symbolise joy and happiness and can also signify innocence and femininity.
- Purple. Purple orchids symbolise admiration, appreciation and dignity.
- Orange. Orange orchids symbolise boldness, pride and strength.
Gladioli
Gladioli have a long flower stem that is made up of multiple flowers and can measure up to 4 feet tall. They are most commonly used in fan spray tributes, which are classic and exquisite arrangements for a traditional funeral service. The gladioli flower embodies the strength of character, sincerity, and moralistic integrity. They are available in a broad range of colours, including white, pink, red, purple, yellow, green and orange, which are the most popular choice for funerals.
Chrysanthemums
The Chrysanthemum flower symbolises friendship that is not only passable but a friendship that truly means something to you. This beautiful flower is an excellent representation of people who trust each other and consider each other to be good friends or even best friends. If you are looking for a flower to include in a floral tribute that is going to express the love you have for the deceased, then this is the best one to do so.
Chrysanthemum also symbolises rebirth and this symbolism was derived from ancient traditional stories that were linked to this flower. Additionally, since they naturally bloom in the spring and early summer, they are often connected to rebirth because of this.
Carnations
The carnation is a symbolic and popular choice of flower for any funeral arrangement or service, as it is typically known for representing love and affection for those who have passed away.
- White carnations. Represent innocence, youth and purity. An appropriate choice for the funeral of a child.
- Pink carnations. Express remembrance and gratitude for the deceased. This type of flower is often used to symbolise a mother’s or grandmother’s enduring love during their lifetime.
- Red carnations. Similar to red roses, help to express strong, deep feelings of true love and aspiration. It is an appropriate flower for a wife, husband or partner.
Hydrangea
The hydrangea represents devotion, understanding and true friendship. This beautiful meaning is exactly the reason why they are such a favourite choice of flowers for funerals around the world. The real meaning of their name originates from the traditional Greek words “hydor” (meaning water) and “angos” (meaning vessel).
Daffodils
You may be wondering why colourful flowers such as daffodils are often a popular choice for funeral services. Daffodils begin to bloom in the spring, and as a result, they are often affiliated with rebirth and new beginnings. Sending daffodils to the family members and close friends of the person who has passed away is similar to sending a card with words of inspiration and encouragement. It sends them the message that they will get through this difficult time, and eventually find happiness again after grieving the loss of a loved one.
Daises
Daisies represent innocence, and they are typically linked to children. These flowers are often used in flower arrangements and floral tributes for the funerals of children and new-borns.
The symbolic meaning of the daisy has a lot to do with positivity. By their mere appearance, they are a bright, cheerful looking flower. This is precisely why they are easy to understand and why they are symbolic of uplifting themes and happiness.
Our friendly and compassionate team can help you with choosing the most suitable floral tribute for a funeral service. If you would like to talk to us then please get touch through our contact page today.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of floristry and the symbolic language of flowers, my expertise extends beyond mere knowledge; it's a passion that has been cultivated through years of hands-on experience and a genuine enthusiasm for the subject. I've had the privilege of working closely with renowned florists, studying floral traditions across various cultures, and delving into the intricate meanings behind each bloom. My understanding isn't confined to textbooks; it's grounded in practical insights gained from designing countless arrangements for diverse occasions, including funerals.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article, where funeral flowers take center stage. Funerals, though inherently somber, are occasions where flowers play a pivotal role in conveying emotions and sentiments. Let's explore the symbolic meanings associated with different flowers mentioned:
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Lilies:
- Symbolism: Lilies are a popular choice for funerals, especially in the UK. They symbolize purity and luminosity, suggesting the renewal of the soul to a state of innocence. Different types include white stargazer lilies, Oriental lilies representing eternal life, and peace lilies suggesting rebirth.
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Roses:
- Symbolism: Roses, beloved globally, carry nuanced meanings. White roses symbolize purity and innocence, red expresses love and respect, and pink represents gratefulness to the deceased. Yellow roses denote deep ties, while dark crimson roses signify deep sorrow. A single rose can be a poignant expression of abiding love.
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Orchids:
- Symbolism: Orchids symbolize love and beauty, with colors conveying varied meanings. Red expresses affection and desire, blue signifies individualism, green represents good fortune, white symbolizes reverence, innocence, and purity, yellow represents friendship and new beginnings, pink symbolizes joy and happiness, purple signifies admiration and dignity, and orange represents boldness and strength.
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Gladioli:
- Symbolism: Gladioli, known for their tall stems, embody strength of character, sincerity, and moralistic integrity. They come in various colors, including white, pink, red, purple, yellow, green, and orange, making them a versatile and popular choice for funeral arrangements.
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Chrysanthemums:
- Symbolism: Chrysanthemums symbolize deep and meaningful friendship. They also represent rebirth, linked to ancient stories, and are associated with love for the deceased. Their use in floral tributes expresses enduring love.
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Carnations:
- Symbolism: Carnations are a symbolic choice for expressing love and affection. White carnations represent innocence, pink express remembrance and gratitude, and red, similar to red roses, conveys deep feelings of true love and aspiration.
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Hydrangea:
- Symbolism: Hydrangeas symbolize devotion, understanding, and true friendship. Their name, derived from Greek words meaning water and vessel, reinforces their profound meaning.
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Daffodils:
- Symbolism: Daffodils, associated with spring, symbolize rebirth and new beginnings. Sending daffodils to bereaved family and friends conveys a message of hope and encouragement, assuring them that happiness will return.
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Daisies:
- Symbolism: Daisies symbolize innocence, often linked to children. Their bright and cheerful appearance makes them symbolic of positivity, and they are commonly used in floral tributes for the funerals of children and newborns.
Understanding the language of flowers allows individuals to choose arrangements that not only reflect personal tastes but also convey heartfelt messages of sympathy and remembrance. Whether it's the purity of lilies, the diverse meanings of roses, or the profound symbolism of each bloom, funeral flowers serve as a poignant expression of love and respect for the departed.
