The Symbolism Behind Giving Flowers at a Funeral

Giving flowers at a funeral is symbolic in a number of ways. Not only does it express sympathy from the giver, a specific type of flower holds any number of meanings.

Flowers have always been used as a representation for feelings: innocence, rebirth, love, and friendship, to name a few.

Has someone you loved and cared for passed away? Are you not sure what to say or do?
That's understandable. You don't have to show up to the funeral empty-handed, though. A carefully-chosen floral arrangement says all the things that are hard to say in this difficult time.

Want to say farewell with a beautiful bouquet? Read on for more information on different flowers and what they represent.

Planning on Giving Flowers at a Funeral?

Why do we give flowers to the dead? The same reason we give flowers to the living. No matter who your flower arrangement is for - a relative of the deceased, or the deceased themselves - flowers have long been the tangible imagery of love and compassion. Funerals are no exception.

Since the 40s and 50s, flowers have been a funeral staple. The first Flower Ladies, the pallbearers opposite, would carry up to six different bouquets from the funeral to the cemetery, where they then decorated the gravesite.

Flowers are given at receptions for many reasons:

• An appreciation for the natural beauty of flowers
• To express love, sympathy, and grief
• To uphold traditions
• They provide a peaceful atmosphere
• Their spiritual significance

After choosing which flower you want to present and why, consider the deeper meanings hidden within the colors of each, as well. Let this guide you to whatever feels most meaningful to you.
If you want to handle this delicate situation with care and consideration, these flowers say it all.

Lilies

Especially of the white variety. White: you know it as light, innocent, good, and perfect, like snow. It represents purity, newness, and rejuvenation. White lilies are direct representations of these feelings. They instill a sense of calmness, grace, and kindness to any scene.

Because of this, white lilies are common appearances at funerals. They aren't loud, but instead offer a soft touch. They are delicate, and that's exactly what we need in sensitive times.

Chrysanthemums

These flowers offer a ton of variety in the way of color and size. They range from light pinks and deep reds to cool blues and crisp whites. Some have puffier appearances, while others are thinner and daintier.

The same diversity goes for their meanings. Chrysanthemums can represent anything from cheerfulness and support, to friendship and love. Depending on your relationship to the deceased, you may carefully choose one that delivers a message.

White Gladiolus

Gladioli are large stalks of beautiful, lily-like flowers that come in a wide range of colors and sizes. White, in particular, is a trend when it comes to expressing consideration in tender times. White is clean, pure, and representative of innocence.

These flowers are perennial, meaning they're long-lasting and available year-round. They symbolize integrity and strength. Paired with a delicate white hue, a gladiolus can be strong and sympathetic all in one.

Because of their size, these flowers can also be used as decorations wherever the funeral is taking place.

Roses

Traditional and effective.

A rose's oil boosts psychological wellbeing for the receiver. Like chrysanthemums, roses have a variety of color meanings:

• Red - the primary symbol of love, in and outside of a funeral
• White - like white lilies, white roses also represent innocence, a fresh slate
• Yellow - represents friendship. Depending on your relationship to the deceased, yellow is a thoughtful color to present to relatives
• Dark Pink - a darker hue is a representation of gratitude

Whether you are placing flowers on a casket or giving them to a friend or relative, the options are there.

Carnations

You've definitely seen these guys before. They tend to make appearances in many receptions, events, and life-changing moments.

Carnations are symbolic flowers that have been used for centuries. They last, they're lively, and they come in an assortment of colors. Keep the same ideas in mind when choosing the hue of your carnations as you do with other flowers.

These are great on their own or as additions to a larger bouquet.

Blue Iris

Much like everything else we've covered, irises have their own meanings, and when paired with different colors, the meanings deepen.

If you want to forgo white or blend it with a complementary flower, a blue iris represents hope and faith. This could be interpreted as hope for emotional recovery, and faith that everyone will honor the memory of the passed forever.

We're Sorry for Your Loss

All of us go through life with an attachment to death. However inevitable or expected it may be, it's never easy. Knowing how to act in the aftermath of a passing is never an obvious path.

If you're not sure how to offer condolences, a thoughtfully-chosen flower arrangement does the job. Without words, flowers express all the emotions that are hard to convey in the event of a funeral.
Giving flowers at a funeral is an acceptable way to show your love and consideration. It's easy to do and says so much at the same time.

We're sorry for your loss, and we know you're going through a hard time. Luckily, flowers have healing powers. They boost our happiness; they reduce our stresses and anxieties; they remind us about the beauty of existing, however fleeting it may be.

Contact us to figure out the best bouquet for your tender situation.