The Meaning Behind Funeral Flowers: Symbolism and Significance

Concerning human rituals, flowers have always held a special significance, and funerals are no different. They give solace and peace through their beauty and deep meanings that sometimes cannot be expressed by words during times of misfortune or sorrow. By Understanding the Meaning Behind Funeral Flowers, you might find the most fitting bunch to say goodbyes to the deceased soul.

The Symbolism of Funeral Flower Colors

Red Flowers

The color red signifies profound love and true respect. Choosing roses, carnations, and geraniums with red petals for a funeral ceremony shows that you love the departed very much as well as respect his/her family members. This is a way to show that there are people like you standing strong with the family members of the deceased in this difficult moment.

Blue Flowers

A deep connection is shared between the blue color and feelings of peace and harmony. Flowers like hydrangeas, irises, or forget-me-nots in blue provide a sense of calmness which is often comforting to the hearts of those who are mourning. These funeral flowers also signify the desire for peace and comfort for the deceased and their loved ones.

Orange Flowers

Orange is a color that is usually linked with emotions such as strength, energy, and warmth. Marigolds daisies or lilies of vivid orange shades represent the lively character of the departed friend or the strong ties that existed between you and him/her. These flowers connote everlasting tie-ups and sentiments that will stay alive despite the departure of the loved one.

Purple Flowers

The color purple portrays dignity, respect, and esteem. Flowers such as irises, lavender, or lilacs in different shades of purple are suitable tributes to someone who has lived a life worth appreciation and high regard.

Yellow Flowers

Yellow is a vibrant and shiny color. It stands for friendship as well as warmth. Sunflowers, yellow roses, and even daffodils bring about hope shining through despair and signify moments shared in cherished friendships while celebrating the life of those gone too soon.

Pink Flowers

Pink represents grace, gentleness, and love. Roses, carnations, or cherry blossoms in pink reflect tender emotions and are a beautiful way to express affection and the gentle impact the deceased had on your life.

Green Flowers

Green signifies renewal, life, and hope. Including green flowers or foliage in a funeral arrangement provides a comforting reminder of the cycle of life and expresses belief in eternal life.

White Flowers

White symbolizes purity, innocence, and peace. Lilies, roses, or chrysanthemums in white are popular choices for funeral flowers, embodying the peace wished for the departed soul and the purity of intentions.

Symbolism of Different Types of Funeral Flowers

• Daisies: Symbolizing innocence and purity, daisies are a fitting choice for funerals, especially when remembering someone who lived a life of honesty and simplicity.
• Snapdragons: Representing strength and resilience, snapdragons symbolize the enduring spirit of the deceased and the strong bonds shared, expressing admiration for their strength.
• Tulips: Associated with love and renewal, tulips in vibrant colors make a beautiful tribute, symbolizing enduring love and belief in life’s renewal.
• Orchids: Orchids symbolize love, beauty, and strength. Their exotic beauty and long-lasting blooms convey deep love and admiration for the inner strength and beauty of the deceased.
• Gladiolus: Representing strength, integrity, and sincerity, gladiolus flowers symbolize respect for the deceased’s character and sincere condolences.
• Calla Lilies: Often associated with purity and rebirth, calla lilies symbolize the wish for peace and renewal for the deceased’s soul.
• Lilies: Traditional funeral flowers-lilies symbolize the restored innocence of the deceased’s soul, offering comfort and solace to grieving hearts.
• Iris: Symbolizing hope and faith, irises convey hopeful wishes for the deceased’s journey and faith in the afterlife.

Roses: A Colorful Tribute

Red Roses

Red roses always act as a strong symbol of affection and love. Since their deep and bright color shows strong emotions, they can be the best choice to honor and celebrate a memorable relationship. Add a few fresh and fragrant stems of red roses to your funeral arrangement as it is one of the best ways of showing your deepest love and respect for the departed.

Pink Roses

The pink rose color symbolizes love, elegance, and kindness. They are also a good way to express your feelings for someone who said goodbye to this world because of their soft hues which denotes a feeling of empathy. Pink roses used in funerals show the purest love that the departed one left on your heart.

White Roses

White roses represent tranquility, innocence, and attributes. This is why funeralgoers prefer white roses so much. They embody the peace we wish our loved ones’ souls supposedly finding it here. White roses when used in funeral bouquets denote peacefulness as well as your true intentions towards the departed person and his/her family.

Funeral Flower Uses

Flowers serve many different purposes during funerals. Not only do they express your emotions and sympathy but also create a peaceful ambiance within the gravesite. They are used for decorating the walls, pathways, and the actual site where the funeral rituals are supposed to take place. In addition, they can be placed on top of a casket. Here are the uses of funeral flowers that you must know before joining a funeral ceremony:

• Offering Condolence: A well-chosen floral piece serves as a symbol of sorrow, love, affection, and sympathy towards those who are grieving.
• Remembering and Honoring the Loved One Who’s Gone: Funeral flowers have always been used as tokens of the personality of the deceased. They show the favorite colors and interests of the person. If you use a funeral bouquet with the departed person’s favorite flowers and colors, nothing could be a better and more thoughtful tribute to him/her.
• Flowers for the Casket: Since ancient times, it has been customary to place flowers upon coffins as part of funeral rituals. However, these flower sprays are more symbolic today, showing loved ones expressing their emotions for their departed relative with respect and love.
• Decorating the Venue: Flowers add beauty and serenity to the funeral venue, creating a peaceful environment for people to pay their respects. Floral arrangements can be used to decorate the altar, entrance, or seating area.
• Gravesite Remembrance: Leaving flowers at the gravesite is a way of expressing ongoing love and respect for the deceased, keeping their memory alive.

Choosing the Right Funeral Flowers

The color and type are the essential things to look at when you decide on a bunch of funeral flowers. Every color of the flower and every type of blossom has a unique meaning. This should be the basis for you to create a very individualized tribute that will reflect your connection with the departed, his/her personality, and your cultural values.

Flowers as a part of funeral rituals have been witnessed in various cultures in the history of humankind. This is because they are silent but a mighty messenger of the deepest emotions one carries for others. Their elegance relieves us during tough times, and their symbolism is one of the ways through which one can express their emotions. At the same time, their presence tells us about the cycle of life that cannot be escaped.

Additional Considerations for Funeral Flowers

Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Different cultures and religions tend to have their own specific customs and traditions regarding funeral flowers. It is always important to have an eye on these sensitivities to ensure that your floral tribute is appropriate and respectful.

Personalizing the Arrangement

Personalizing a floral arrangement is like giving a unique touch or personality to the floral piece so it stands out. By choosing this option, you may incorporate the favorite blooms or colors of the departed person. Also, you may add a small gift or card to show your deep feelings. This type of personalization represents the departed person’s lively spirit and personality. 

Timing and Delivery

The first point is always making a perfect flower arrangement for the funeral. However, you also need to think about the right timing and delivery of the funeral flowers. You would obviously not want your flowers to reach you after the funeral ceremony. Tell your florist when and where you need a funeral bouquet. It can be your home, the funeral home, or the gravesite. 

Flowers have a key role in a funeral ceremony. They are not only used for honoring the departed one but also to give a peaceful ambiance to the gravesite. With flowers, you, as a close person to the deceased or his/her family, can convey your strong feelings and show your support. 

Now that you understand the different meanings and significance of different flowers used during funerals, we believe, it will be easy for you to pick the right petals for the funeral arrangement. Stay tuned with us for more informative and educational flower guides.