The Meaning Behind 7 of the Most Popular Funeral Plants

In the past four decades, there has been an increase of more than 1,000% in funeral costs. Aside from the fact that funerals cost more than 10 times the amount than back in the 60s, more people are opting for cremations. In fact, 5 years ago 3.56% of funerals were cremations. Today, this number equates to more than 40%.

Despite the fact that funerals cost more, people continue to spend their money to commemorate their loved ones when they pass. While the ceremony as a whole is important, the flowers at a funeral can tell a story of their own.

Read on to find out about the meaning behind 7 of the most popular funeral plants.

1. Lillies

Lilies are among the most popular funeral plants out there. This is a go-to funeral flower because it represents:

• Purity
• Virginity
• Radiance of the soul

Lilies are a way for loved ones to send the soul of the deceased back to a state of innocence. Lilies are also a biblical plant. The Bible mentions them in 15 different verses and Christians associate the Madonna lily with the Virgin Mary.

In ancient Greece, lilies symbolized motherhood and rebirth. In China, the flower represents 100 years of love as well as good luck, making it popular at weddings.

2. Roses

Many believe that roses are only for Valentine's Day but this couldn't be further from the truth. All color roses have different connotations. For example, red roses are a symbol of love no matter what the circumstances. They're also a sign of grief and passion.

Pink roses aren't as common as red and yellow roses at funerals. That said, they represent thankfulness and parents also use them for funerals for little girls. They also symbolize:

• Gratitude
• Joy
• Grace

Pink roses are a token of admiration. But, the different shades of pink represent different feelings. For example, a dark shade of pink is to say thank you while a lighter shade is to offer sympathy.
Yellow roses at a funeral represent:

• Friendship
• Companionship
• A strong bond between people

Last but not least, as with most white flowers, white roses are a symbol of innocence. They represent purity and appear at funerals because they tell those grieving that you're there for them.

3. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are another popular funeral flower that has a different meaning depending on their color. Their meaning also varies globally.

For example, America and Europe have different connotations for the plant. Also, in Asia, these flowers represent rebirth. With this in mind, Asian people often give these flowers to mums at baby showers rather than at funerals.

Traditionally, red Chrysanthemums represent love and passion. White ones are a symbol of innocence.

4. Orchids

Orchids come in various shapes, colors, sizes, and there are now more than 20,000 species of them in the world. They're particularly special plants that tend to cost more than other funeral flowers.  Orchids come from the Greek word Paphos, the name of Aphrodite's temple. In Ancient Greece, these plants are not only a sign of love but one of passion and sexuality. In China, orchids represent:

• Elegance
• Friendship
• Integrity

Today, Orchids send the message of eternal love to the deceased. If you want to keep the flower arrangements or distribute them to friends and family after the funeral, orchids are a great option. In the right environment, these plants can last for years to come.

5. Hydrangea

Hydrangeas represent deep emotion because of their shape which resembles a beating heart. Hydrangeas have different meanings, all of which stem from different cultures, stories, and beliefs.

As with most flowers, different colors of hydrangeas represent different emotions and symbols. If you want to show heartfelt emotion, go for pink hydrangeas. If you are apologizing, blue is the best option. For deep understanding and compassion, purple hydrangeas should be your choice.

Like with orchids, if you want to keep the flower arrangements or gift them to friends and family, go for the plant version of the flower. These will last longer than cut arrangements. You can also plant them in your garden.

6. Carnations

Carnations have a very biblical undertone. Some believe that the pink and red carnations represent love and life for Mary as well as the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Today, carnations represent:

• Distinction
• Love
• Fascination

In the United States, people wear red carnations at funerals. France and the Netherlands associate purple and white carnations with funerals, specifically, to celebrate veterans and the country's opposition to World War II.

Carnations come in a wide variety of colors. They're also popular for dying which means you can buy white ones and create your own bouquet based on your needs. Here are the meanings of the different colors in America:

• Purple represents compassion
• White represents purity and luck
• Pink represents gratitude
• Dark red represents love and passion

Avoid yellow carnations at a funeral as they represent rejection.

7. Peace Lily Plant

The peace lily is a striking and powerful plant with a strong fragrance. Many send these plants to grieving families. They represent sympathy as well as the rebirth of the soul. They also encourage peace and hope to those grieving.

Similarly to a white lily, a peace lily is a sign of purity. It has biblical connotations and many believe that they can purify the soul of the deceased.

Additionally, peace lilies have a strong presence in the spiritual world. They can help balance peoples' energy and act as a strong healing agent for the soul. The peace lily represents:

• Healing
• Calm
• Expanding consciousness

In the spiritual world, many believe that the peace lily offers balance and the feeling of things becoming whole again.

Find Popular Funeral Plants at Peachtree Petals

These popular funeral plants all send individual messages to the deceased and those grieving the death of a loved one. The key to choosing the right flowers for a funeral depends on the emotion you want to exude as well as the nature of the person you lost.

If you would like help choosing the best funeral flowers and plants, visit our sympathy and funeral page for more information. We can also create custom bouquets and arrangements depending on your individual needs.