Funeral flowers have long been a symbol of love, respect, and remembrance. They provide comfort to grieving families and friends and serve as a way to express sympathy and honor the deceased. Choosing the right flowers for a funeral can be challenging, given the variety of options available and the need to convey the right sentiment. In this article, we will explore the best flowers for funerals, their meanings, and how to select the appropriate arrangements to pay tribute to a loved one.
The Importance of Funeral Flowers
Flowers have been used in funerals for centuries, not only for their beauty but also for their symbolic meanings. They can convey emotions that words sometimes fail to express, offering solace and a sense of peace. Funeral flowers can be arranged in various forms, including wreaths, sprays, and bouquets, each carrying its own significance. The choice of flowers and arrangement can reflect the personality of the deceased, their favorite colors or blooms, and the relationship between the giver and the deceased.
Common Funeral Flowers and Their Meanings
Different flowers have different meanings, and understanding these can help in making a thoughtful choice. Below are some of the most common funeral flowers and what they symbolize.
Lilies
Lilies are perhaps the most traditional funeral flower, often associated with the restored innocence of the soul of the deceased. Their serene and pure appearance makes them a fitting choice for any funeral service. White lilies, in particular, symbolize the purity and the soul’s return to a peaceful state.
Roses
Roses are versatile flowers that are suitable for many occasions, including funerals. Each color of rose carries a different meaning. White roses symbolize reverence, humility, and innocence, while red roses represent love and grief. Yellow roses can be used to express strong ties and friendship with the deceased. Pink roses convey admiration, grace, and gratitude.
Carnations
Carnations are long-lasting flowers that are often used in funeral wreaths and sprays. Their durability makes them a practical choice, and they come in various colors, each with its own meaning. Red carnations symbolize admiration, white carnations represent pure love and innocence, and pink carnations are often associated with remembrance.
Chrysanthemums
In many cultures, chrysanthemums are seen as flowers of death, particularly in European countries where they are exclusively used for funerals. They symbolize death, grief, and lamentation. In Asian cultures, however, chrysanthemums can represent rebirth and honor. Their bold appearance makes them a popular choice for funeral arrangements.
Orchids
Orchids convey eternal love and are a beautiful choice for a funeral. They are often given as a sign of sympathy and are particularly associated with the sentiment of “I will always love you.” White and pink orchids are the most appropriate colors for funerals, symbolizing innocence, beauty, and reverence.
Gladioli
Gladioli are tall, elegant flowers that are often used in standing funeral sprays. They symbolize strength of character, integrity, and moral values. The word “gladiolus” comes from the Latin word for “sword,” which makes these flowers a powerful tribute to a loved one who was strong and resilient.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are a less common but meaningful choice for funeral flowers. They represent heartfelt emotions, perseverance, and understanding. Their large blooms make them ideal for arrangements that need to make a strong visual impact.
Daisies
Daisies symbolize innocence, purity, and a sense of peace. They are often used in funeral arrangements for children or young people. White daisies, in particular, are a gentle way to express sympathy and offer comfort.
Choosing the Right Funeral Flower Arrangements
Selecting the right arrangement for a funeral depends on several factors, including the relationship to the deceased, the type of service, and cultural or religious considerations. Here are some common types of funeral flower arrangements and when they might be appropriate.
Wreaths
Funeral wreaths are circular arrangements that symbolize eternal life. They are often placed on the coffin or displayed near the entrance to the funeral service. Wreaths can be made from a variety of flowers, with white lilies, roses, and chrysanthemums being popular choices. The circular shape of the wreath represents continuity and the enduring nature of love and memories.
Standing Sprays
Standing sprays are large, vertical arrangements that are displayed on an easel. They are typically placed near the casket or at the front of the service. Standing sprays are often more formal and are usually sent by close family members or the deceased’s employer. These arrangements can be made with a variety of flowers, depending on the sentiment you wish to convey.
Casket Sprays
Casket sprays are placed directly on top of the casket and are often chosen by the immediate family. They can cover the entire length of the casket or just a portion, depending on the design. Casket sprays are typically made with roses, lilies, and carnations and are often designed to reflect the personality or preferences of the deceased.
Basket Arrangements
Basket arrangements are versatile and can be sent by anyone, whether close family, friends, or acquaintances. They are often displayed on tables or stands at the funeral service or taken to the family’s home afterward. Baskets can be filled with a variety of flowers and can be designed to be either formal or informal, depending on the occasion.
Bouquets and Posies
Bouquets and posies are smaller, hand-tied arrangements that can be placed on the casket or given to the family as a token of sympathy. These are often simple and elegant, making them suitable for more intimate or informal services.
Crosses and Hearts
Crosses and hearts are symbolic arrangements that are particularly meaningful for Christian funerals. A cross arrangement represents faith and the resurrection, while a heart symbolizes love and affection. These arrangements are often made with roses, lilies, and chrysanthemums and are typically sent by close family members or friends.
See Also: What Are The Best Shade Flowers?
Cultural and Religious Considerations
When choosing funeral flowers, it’s important to consider the cultural and religious beliefs of the deceased and their family. Different cultures have different traditions and expectations when it comes to funeral flowers.
Christian Funerals
In Christian funerals, flowers are a common way to express sympathy and honor the deceased. White flowers, such as lilies and roses, are particularly popular for their association with purity and resurrection. Floral crosses are also a common choice.
Jewish Funerals
In Jewish tradition, flowers are not typically part of the funeral service. Instead, the focus is on simplicity and modesty. It is more common to send a donation to a charity in the name of the deceased rather than sending flowers.
Buddhist Funerals
Buddhist funerals often feature white flowers, which symbolize peace and purity. Lilies and chrysanthemums are commonly used. It’s important to avoid red flowers, as red is considered a color of joy and celebration, which would be inappropriate for a funeral.
Hindu Funerals
In Hindu funerals, flowers are used to adorn the body of the deceased. Garlands of marigolds and jasmine are often placed around the body or casket. Flowers are an important part of the funeral rites, symbolizing the soul’s journey to the afterlife.
Muslim Funerals
In Muslim funerals, the use of flowers is less common, as the focus is on simplicity and humility. If flowers are used, they are usually white and kept minimal. It’s advisable to check with the family or religious leader before sending flowers.
Sending Funeral Flowers: Etiquette and Timing
Knowing when and where to send funeral flowers is crucial to ensuring that your gesture is both respectful and timely. Here are some guidelines to follow.
Before the Funeral
If you want the flowers to be displayed during the funeral service, it’s important to send them to the funeral home or church in advance. Ideally, flowers should arrive the day before or the morning of the service.
After the Funeral
If you missed the opportunity to send flowers before the funeral, it’s perfectly acceptable to send them to the family’s home afterward. This can provide comfort during the grieving period and serves as a reminder that you are thinking of them.
What to Write on the Card
Accompanying your flowers with a thoughtful message can add a personal touch. Keep your message short and heartfelt. Examples might include, “With deepest sympathy,” “In loving memory,” or “Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Conclusion
Choosing the right funeral flowers is a meaningful way to pay tribute to a loved one and offer comfort to those who are grieving. By understanding the symbolism of different flowers and selecting arrangements that reflect the deceased’s personality and your relationship with them, you can create a fitting tribute that honors their memory. Whether you choose lilies for their purity, roses for their love, or chrysanthemums for their lasting impact, your gesture will be a source of solace during a difficult time.
