Everything You Need to Know About Funeral Flowers
Funeral flowers have been employed for centuries as a means of expressing love, respect, and remembrance. During times of bereavement, they provide comfort to grieving families and convey emotions that cannot be easily verbalized. Whether you are designing floral arrangements for the memorial of a deceased loved one or sending flowers as a symbol of condolence, understanding the symbolism involved in funeral flower arrangements will provide assurance that your choice is a proper tribute.
This is your comprehensive guide to funeral flowers—from their history and symbolism to what to select as the most significant arrangements.
Why Are Funeral Flowers Important?
Sending flowers to a funeral is an empathetic act. They are not just a way of honoring the deceased, but also bring peace and beauty during the funeral. Flowers light up dark spaces and remind those who mourn of life, hope, and continuity.
Other than their beauty, funeral flowers express sympathy, remembrance, and love. Choosing the right flowers makes your message touch deep into the hearts of grieving family members.
A Brief History of Funeral Flowers
The application of flowers at funerals stretches back further than a few thousand years. Archaeologists have found floral residue in ancient graves, suggesting that even ancient cultures used flowers to honor their dead. This custom eventually developed into a full-blown ceremony over time.
In the 19th century, flowers served a functional purpose at funerals to cover up odors prior to modern day preservation techniques. Now, their function is symbolic, symbolizing love, innocence, and the revolving nature of life.
Common Types of Funeral Flower Arrangements
In choosing flowers, it helps to be aware of the different types of arrangements traditionally used in a typical funeral service. Each type has its function during the service.
1. Casket Sprays
These are vertical arrangements placed directly on top of the casket for the most dramatic effect. These are usually chosen by the immediate family members and are centered upon the flower tributes.
2. Standing Sprays
Standing sprays stand on easels and are to be seen on one side. Standing sprays are placed alongside the casket or at the altar.
3. Wreaths and Hearts
Wreaths symbolize eternal life, and heart arrangements symbolize love and deep affection for the deceased.
4. Basket Arrangements
These are foldable, lightweight displays that can be sent by friends, colleagues, or members of the extended family. They are easy to move around and normally accompany the family home after the service.
5. Bouquets and Sympathy Flowers
These are foldable, lightweight displays that can be sent by friends, colleagues, or members of the extended family. They are easy to move around and normally accompany the family home after the service.
The Meaning Behind Flower Colors
Every color of flowers has a different symbolism. Knowing what each color represents will make it easier for you to pick the most appropriate tribute.
White: Innocence, peace, and purity. White roses and lilies are typical in funerals.
Red: Strength, love, and respect. Red roses usually symbolize the enduring bond with the deceased.
Pink: Grace and admiration, usually used to show appreciation and love.
Yellow: Friendship, warmth, and remembrance. Yellow flowers can provide comfort and light to grieving hearts.
Purple: Dignity, respect, and sorrow. Purple flowers bring an air of solemnity to the arrangements.
Blue: Peace and serenity, which are commonly used to provide calmness and comfort in a difficult time.
Popular Flowers for Funerals
Certain flowers are more easily utilized in funeral arrangements due to their meanings and long histories.
Lilies: Purity and innocence which the dead soul regains.
Roses: Love, respect, and memory. Different colors are interpreted differently.
Carnations: Well known for being long-lasting and representing love and respect.
Chrysanthemums: In the majority of cultures, these flowers represent death, mourning, and bereavement.
Orchids: Represent infinite love and condolence.
Gladiolus: Represent strength, moral fiber, and integrity.
Choosing the Right Arrangement
In making a choice of the appropriate flowers, take the following factors into consideration:
Relationship to the Deceased
Casket sprays or large arrangements are typically chosen by immediate family members.
Friends and coworkers tend to send baskets, bouquets, or standing sprays.
Religious and Cultural Traditions
Some religions and cultures have specific funeral flower traditions. Chrysanthemums, for example, are typically used in Asian and European funerals but could be unacceptable in other cultures.
Personal Preferences
Consider the deceased's favorite flowers or colors. Making the arrangement personal can make it more special.
Etiquette for Sending Funeral Flowers
Flowers are a kind gesture, and yet there are some etiquette guidelines to follow:
Timing: If you want your arrangement at the service, order ahead of time so that the arrangement can be sent to the funeral home.
Message: Always accompany your flowers with a genuine sympathy card.
Location: If you are delivering flowers to the residence of the family, use smaller, easier-to-place arrangements.
Alternatives to Traditional Funeral Flowers
There might not be families who would desire flowers at a service. They might, in certain situations, ask for donations to charity in place of flowers. If that's so, do keep their wishes in mind.
Still, if you’d like to provide comfort, consider sending sympathy gifts like memory books, personalized keepsakes, or food baskets.
Professional Funeral Services and Flower Assistance
Planning a funeral can be overwhelming. That is when a funeral home's professional services become necessary. Funeral homes tend to work with florists and can help you select arrangements most suitable to pay tribute to your loved one. Their expertise ensures your flowers are respectful, tasteful, and punctual.
Final Thoughts
Funeral flowers are more than stunning embellishments—They're a timeless way of showing love, respect, and memory. From casket sprays to sympathy bouquets, every arrangement carries meaning that offers comfort to grieving families. With an understanding of flower types, colors, and traditions, you can choose a tribute that is heartfelt.
If you are in need of advice, Devlin Funeral Home offers compassionate guidance and materials to help you select significant funeral flowers.
Comments
Post a Comment