Every funeral is an emotional roller coaster, with feelings of love and loss on display. It’s important to truly honour the deceased in the most meaningful way. That’s why selecting the right flowers for a funeral is so important – it can be your way of paying tribute to their life. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the different colours of flowers appropriate for a funeral, helping you compel love and loss through a thoughtful wreath.
Funeral Flowers
You can support and express your love to the bereaved family by sending funeral flowers. Funeral flowers are a traditional way to express sympathy and condolences during difficult times. They honour the deceased’s memory and comfort those who mourn their loss. Funeral flowers are traditionally sent to honour and commemorate the life of a loved one.
Often, these flowers take the form of a wreath-shaped arrangement of white roses, chrysanthemums, carnations and other daisy-like blooms expressing sympathy and support. The wreath is often chosen because it is circular and has no beginning or end, symbolising eternal life. It may be placed in the middle of the casket to honour the person’s memory or sent ahead of time as a gift to family members. Depending on personal preference, floral sprays, baskets, and other arrangements can also be sent.
History
Flowers have been used in funerals for centuries – the earliest evidence dating back to Ancient Egypt. During this time, wreaths and crosses were made from flowers and placed on the deceased’s body, believed to help them reach a peaceful afterlife. The tradition was adopted by Greeks and Romans, who used flowers in funeral ceremonies and created garlands to decorate the deceased’s body.
In the Middle Ages, it became popular for mourners to present sprays of white lilies at funerals to symbolise everlasting life, purity and hope. It was followed by the Victorians, known for using heavy floral arrangements and bouquets to decorate the deceased’s casket, often made from white and pink blooms. They also used pansies to represent remembrance, daisies for innocence, and violets for faithfulness.
In modern times, funeral flowers are still popular for memorialising the deceased. They are often used to express sympathy, and sympathisers may also place a single flower on the coffin or grave as a final tribute. From wreaths to bouquets and sprays, they can be tailored to suit the individual, with various colours, styles and flowers available.
Colour Meanings and Flowers for Funeral
White
White has long been associated with mourning and is often the preferred colour for funeral flowers. It’s a symbol of hope and faith, meaning that even in death, there is still an eternal assurance of love. White lilies are especially popular as they represent gentleness and purity, while white carnations signify deep sorrow and remembrance. White flowers like orchids, chrysanthemums, and gladiolus can all make beautiful additions to funeral bouquets.
Red
Roses are a traditional choice as they symbolise beauty and eternal peace. Red is another popular colour for funerals, representing courage, love, and strength in adversity. Red carnations, on the other hand, often represent love and admiration. Other red flowers like gladiolus, lilies of the valley, and poppies can also be used to express heartfelt emotions at a funeral service.
Yellow
Yellow is traditionally associated with joy, so that it might seem out of place at a funeral. That being said, yellow flowers can still be used in funeral arrangements if the intent is to signify hope and optimism. Yellow roses, for example, are a symbol of friendship and support, while sunflowers represent admiration and loyalty. Other bright-coloured blooms like daisies and marigolds can also be appropriate for a funeral service.
Purple
Purple is a colour that is often associated with royalty and spirituality. At a funeral, it can represent immortality or the transition from this life to the next. Purple lilies are especially popular, representing hope and enlightenment. Others, like purple freesia, irises, and lavender, can also express sympathy and make an impactful statement at a funeral.
Blue
Blue flowers convey feelings of peace, serenity, understanding, and comfort. Blue is often considered calming and tranquil, making it perfect for funerals. Delphiniums are particularly popular in funeral bouquets as they represent an open heart and a feeling of deep sorrow. Other blue blooms like hydrangeas, forget-me-nots and cornflowers can also be used to express sympathy.
Pink
Pink roses often signify innocence and admiration, while carnations bring happiness and remembrance in their wake. Other pink flowers like orchids, gerbera daisies, and snapdragons can all make meaningful additions to a funeral bouquet.
Orange
Orange is a colour that often represents enthusiasm and happiness. In the context of a funeral service, however, orange blooms signify courage in adversity. Orange roses are popular as they represent appreciation and admiration for the deceased. Tulips, lilies, and chrysanthemums can also create a vibrant display.
Green
Green is a colour that often represents renewal and growth. At a funeral service, it can be used to signify hope for eternity and everlasting life. Green hydrangeas are particularly popular as they represent heartfelt emotion. In contrast, other green blooms like valley lilies, orchids, and carnations can also create a meaningful tribute.
Final Thoughts
The choice of flowers for a funeral can be a personal and meaningful decision tailored to the individual being commemorated. Flowers have long been used to express sympathy and sorrow at funerals, with certain blooms taking on special meaning. It’s important to consider the meaning behind the colours and flowers when selecting arrangements for a funeral, as they can truly make an impactful statement.
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