Flowers have always been a way for us to express our deepest sentiments, whether happy or sad. When we’re looking to express our condolences, sending sympathy and funeral flowers is a heartfelt way to deliver some comfort to a grieving loved one. While the tradition of incorporating flowers to a farewell ritual has been around for thousands of years, flowers once had a very different use at funerals than they have today.
Here’s a look at the history of funeral flowers and how they came to be.
A landmark discovery
Arranging and placing flowers around the deceased is and has been one of the oldest forms of mourning. This ancient tradition was well documented by Dr. Ralph Solecki in 1951, during his famous excavation in the Shanidar Cave in Northern Iraq. Dr. Solecki discovered several burial sites there and uncovered pollen and flower fragments from multiple species of wildflowers that were later discovered to have been there since 62,000 B.C. Soil samples determined that these flowers were placed on the burial site, marking them as the first flowers to have been used for a funeral. This discovery was eventually recorded in record books as the world’s oldest form of human ritual.
How flowers were used at funerals in ancient times
While giving flowers for a funeral is a tradition that has been around a long time, it is one that evolved considerably over the years. Since the art of embalming has developed slowly over centuries, flowers were traditionally used to cover the unpleasant odors of a decaying body. Depending on different factors, such as the environment, the condition of the body, and the time at which the body was buried, flowers were used in varying quantities as a way of tolerating the smell of the deceased to those who came to pay their final respects.
Why people send flowers to funerals today
Today, people send flowers to funerals for many reasons. First, they do it as a means of expression. Since it can be difficult for those in mourning to put their feelings into words, flowers can act as an expression of love, comfort, sympathy, and respect. Flowers also create a background of warmth and beauty, adding to the dignity and consolation of the funeral service. They create a sense of softness, wherein their beauty helps balance the heaviness and sadness of death, helping us accept the loss of a loved one.
What funeral flowers represent
Flowers have a spiritual significance, and have always been used to symbolize the life cycle from birth to death. They represent not only love and sympathy but also eternity and immortality. A person’s life is symbolized by the fragility of a flower, where proper conditions are necessary for them to grow and blossom.
Losing a loved one is difficult. When you wish to provide comfort to those who are grieving, sending sympathy flowers can help brighten this somber time and let them know they are not alone.
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FAQs
A HISTORY OF FUNERAL FLOWERS
What is the origin of flowers at a funeral? ›
Before embalming and refrigeration became standard in funeral practices, a deceased laid out for viewing would potentially start decomposing, releasing noxious odors. Funeral Directors strategically used flowers to mask these smells, creating a more tolerable environment.
What do flowers symbolize at funerals? ›
This traditional color choice represents honor, peace, and innocence. Pink is considered a respectful color choice, used to express gentleness and sympathy. Red flowers symbolize love, as well as beauty and strength. Purple represents dignity and respect, as well as a regal presence.
Why are flowers important at funerals? ›
First, they do it as a means of expression. Since it can be difficult for those in mourning to put their feelings into words, flowers can act as an expression of love, comfort, sympathy, and respect. Flowers also create a background of warmth and beauty, adding to the dignity and consolation of the funeral service.
What is the tradition for sending flowers to a funeral? ›
While ancient peoples did not usually have the intricate floral arrangements of today, the tradition still remains a major part of the funeral process. Sending a floral arrangement honors the dead, and shows sympathy to the family. Generally, flowers today are sent to show respect, sympathy, and love for the deceased.
What is the official funeral flower? ›
The most traditional funeral flowers center around the lily. The lily can be a powerful symbol of the spirit of a loved one that offers hope and encouragement to a grieving family. White is a good color to send for a faith-based or religious service. Carnations are a very popular choice for sympathy flowers.
Why did people start putting flowers on graves? ›
Placing flowers on graves is an ancient tradition followed in many cultures. It is often part of religious rituals and funeral customs intended to show respect for the deceased and support the family. In many countries, All Souls' Day is the day on which Catholics commemorate the deceased.
Are funeral flowers for the deceased or family? ›
Funeral flowers are usually not addressed to a particular loved one of the deceased but are intended, instead, as a way to pay respect to the deceased themselves. Sympathy flowers go to the home of the deceased.
What happens to funeral flowers after the funeral? ›
The bereaved family will usually decide what to do with the funeral flowers. Unless specified, the funeral flowers will usually be left at the graveside or in a memorial garden. You could choose to take some of the flowers home with you or give them away to friends and family.
Should you keep funeral flowers? ›
Personal funeral flowers may be taken down after a cremation service and are sometimes donated to a hospices and charities, while families sometimes also request that surplus bouquets are passed on this way. You may wish to keep the message cards and notes, to look back on and read when you feel the time is right.
They let the bereaved know, visibly, how much their loved one touched the lives of others. Just as we would never choose not to send sympathy cards, offer assistance, or donate food when asked to make a financial contribution, flowers are always appropriate and appreciated.
What is the etiquette for condolence flowers? ›
Sympathy flowers are typically addressed and sent directly to the home of the bereaved family. These intimate floral arrangements are appropriate if the bereaved is a close friend or if you knew the deceased well.
Should grandchildren send flowers to grandparents' funeral? ›
If the deceased has no spouse, the children have the honor of the casket flowers. For other services, children may provide sprays or funeral baskets of flowers; Grandchildren often wish to recognize their grandparent in the form of a single piece to represent them all.
What is the origin of giving someone their flowers? ›
The earliest dates of gifting flowers go back to the time of Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and the Roman Empire. These three societies often used flowers in religious traditions.
What is the history of the mourning wreath? ›
The history of funeral wreaths dates back to ancient times, with evidence of their use in Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. Back then, wreaths traditionally were made from leaves, flowers, and branches, and were placed on or near the burial site as a symbol of remembrance and respect for the deceased.
What is the role of a flower girl at a funeral? ›
At the church, some of the women of the family act as flower girls, and their job is to remove the elaborate bouquets of flowers that will be placed on the casket during the funeral.
