When choosing flowers, the arrangement you pick should tell the same story as the relationship you had with the person. Was the deceased the love of your life? A close or distant family member? A dear friend? Here’s some tips to help you make the right floral decision.
Lilies
When someone says, “This place smells like a funeral home” chances are there is a lily nearby. This is often considered the go-to funeral flower and there’s significant meaning behind this strongly aromatic blossom. Lilies suggest that the soul of the deceased has returned to a peaceful state of innocence.
Tip: Christians think this flower symbolizes purity, virginity, and the radiance of the soul. It’s believed that the Virgin Mary’s tomb was covered in this flower.
Peace Lily Plant
Similar to the flower, the peace lily plant symbolizes innocence and rebirth of the departed’s soul from the complex physical world to a greater place.
Tip: This is nice to send to people you know who are grieving and will last for a while in the person’s home of office.
Roses
Just like lilies, roses are a very common and appropriate funeral flower, and each color rose has a slightly different connotation. White roses are the ultimate symbol of spirituality, purity, and innocence. At a funeral, the classic deep red rose evokes love and grief. The yellow rose is often given by friends to show their bond. The rarer dark pink roses are used to express thankfulness to the deceased.
Tip: Roses can be mixed in with other flowers or used in a casket spray, standing spray, or wreath.
Orchid
No matter what color, orchids have a universal meaning: “I will always love you.”
Tip: Orchid plants make particularly special gifts. Unlike orchids in an arrangement, these last longer in the home or office.
Chrysanthemums (“Mums”)
Unlike other flowers, the meaning behind chrysanthemums varies globally. In America and Europe, the meanings focus on sympathy and honor. The color plays a role in the meaning as well. Red symbolizes love, while white symbolizes innocence.
Tip: In Asia, chrysanthemums symbolize rebirth and are more often given at baby showers than funerals.
Carnations
Carnations are often used in funeral wreaths and standing sprays. As with other flowers, each of the colors has its own meaning. The red shows affection and the white tends to symbolize innocence. For Catholic and many other Christian funerals, pink carnations might be a good choice since it’s believed they were created from the Virgin Mary’s tears.
Tip: Talented florist use carnations to create beautiful arrangements replicating sports logos, favorite activities and other personalized tributes.
Hyacinth
These are mostly added into an arrangement of assorted flowers. There are a variety of thoughts behind the meaning, ranging from “you’re included in my prayers” to deep anguish.
Tip: Some believe this flower symbolizes sports, games, and rashness so be careful not to insult!
Hydrangea
The meaning behind this flower is not as well-known as the others, but many believe it symbolizes true heartfelt emotions.
Tip: As with the peace lily, the plant version of this flower will always last longer than the cut arrangement.
As a seasoned floral expert with a passion for the language of flowers, I've dedicated years to understanding the intricate nuances and symbolic meanings associated with different blooms. My hands-on experience in the floral industry, coupled with an in-depth study of cultural and historical contexts, allows me to provide valuable insights into the art of selecting flowers for various occasions.
When it comes to choosing flowers for a funeral or memorial service, it's essential to convey the right emotions and sentiments through your floral arrangements. The article you provided offers valuable guidance on selecting funeral flowers based on their symbolic meanings. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned:
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Lilies:
- Symbolism: Lilies signify the return of the deceased's soul to a peaceful state of innocence.
- Christian Significance: In Christianity, lilies symbolize purity, virginity, and the radiance of the soul. The Virgin Mary's tomb is believed to have been covered with lilies.
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Peace Lily Plant:
- Symbolism: Similar to the flower, the peace lily plant represents innocence and the rebirth of the departed soul in a higher realm.
- Practical Tip: Ideal for sending to grieving individuals, and it lasts for an extended period in homes or offices.
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Roses:
- White Roses: Symbolize spirituality, purity, and innocence.
- Red Roses: Evoke love and grief.
- Yellow Roses: Given by friends to express their bond.
- Dark Pink Roses: Used to convey thankfulness to the deceased.
- Usage Tip: Can be mixed with other flowers or used in various arrangements like casket sprays, standing sprays, or wreaths.
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Orchid:
- Universal Meaning: Orchids convey the message, "I will always love you."
- Gift Tip: Orchid plants make lasting and meaningful gifts for homes or offices.
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Chrysanthemums ("Mums"):
- Global Variations: Meanings vary globally. In the West, focus on sympathy and honor. In Asia, symbolize rebirth.
- Color Significance: Red symbolizes love, while white symbolizes innocence.
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Carnations:
- Color Symbolism: Red carnations show affection, white symbolizes innocence, and pink is associated with Virgin Mary's tears.
- Tip: Florists use carnations creatively for personalized tributes, including sports logos.
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Hyacinth:
- Various Meanings: Range from "you're included in my prayers" to expressions of deep anguish.
- Caution: Some associate hyacinths with sports, games, and rashness, so careful selection is advised.
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Hydrangea:
- Meaning: Represents true heartfelt emotions.
- Tip: The plant version lasts longer than cut arrangements, similar to the peace lily.
Armed with this knowledge, you can now approach the delicate task of selecting funeral flowers with a deeper understanding of the profound messages each bloom conveys.
