Here in America, it’s not uncommon to see a pot of cheerful chrysanthemums adorning a doorstep.
But in France, that simply wouldn’t be done.
This time of year, mums can be seen everywhere across France, sold at roadside stalls and overflowing in supermarket parking lots.
But their cheery colors belie their somber symbolism in French culture.
The Chrysanthemum’s Significance in French Culture
Known as la Toussaint in France, November 1st is All Saints’ Day. On this day, families will buy pots of chrysanthemums and drive out to the cemetery, gracing the tombs and graves of their family with the flowers.
Did you know that in France, the families themselves must maintain and clean the graves of their deceased?
In France, the chrysanthemum is strongly associated with death, and it is a terrible social faux pas to offer it on any other occasion (so if you’re in France, don’t thank your dinner hostess with a pot of mums!). They’re commonly used in funerals, and are also considered a symbol of immortality, as it can survive through the winter frost and needs little care.
Calling All Saints and Souls
All Saints’ Day is a public holiday in France, and the French take their holidays very seriously. While in America shops everywhere remain open on Memorial Day, in France the post offices, banks, stores and other businesses will be closed, aside from florists and the like.
The following day is All Souls’ Day or le Jour des Morts, when people pray for the souls of the deceased.
These holidays fall during the two-week school holiday, so it is also a popular time for families to take a short vacation.
According to one article, on All Saints’ Day, “churches are draped in black, funeral songs are sung and prayers for the dead are recited. People visit cemeteries to pray at their family graves, then have parties involving singing and telling stories about the dead. At midnight they eat a special supper for the dead which traditionally includes milk, black grain, bacon, pancakes and cider.”
All Saints’ Day and Halloween in France
Created byPope Boniface IV of the Catholic Church to honor all the saints and martyrs without their own holy day, All Saints’ Day was originally observed on May 13, then moved to November 1.
Some say it was a move by the church to detract attention from the Pagan celebration of Samhain on October 31, which would later become Halloween.
Halloween was virtually unknown in France until around 1996, when it began to increase in popularity. Interestingly enough, the children in France traditionally dress as spooky characters, such as witches, goblins, ghosts, vampires and the like.
Via NYTimes
What flowers do you give for a death?
Lilies are usually funerals because of their white colouring. White lilies symbolise the innocence of a soul, once it has left the body. The stargazer lily is used specifically as a symbol of sympathy, so is usually given to the family of the deceased, whilst a simple, white lily represents purity.
Leave a comment on your opinions of this French tradition! I’d love to hear your views and stories!
FAQs
For this reason, the red spider lily is sometimes called the “death flower” or “corpse flower.”
Which flower represents death? ›
Chrysanthemums. Mums are frequently included in arrangements for funeral services. In some European countries, such as France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Hungary and Croatia, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are only used for funerals or on graves.
What is the death flower called? ›
The corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) is the largest unbranched inflorescence in the plant kingdom, boasts a powerful stink, and blooms for just 2-3 days once every year or two. The bloom can grow up to 8 feet tall! This plant fascinates visitors of all ages.
What is the official flower of the dead? ›
Marigolds. Often called “flowers of the dead,” cempasúchil, or flor de muerto, these bright orange and yellow flowers' fragrance is said to attract souls to the altar. Their bright and cheery color also celebrate life instead of feeling bitter about death.
What is the Japanese flower for death? ›
In accordance with established traditions, many practitioners of Buddhism in Japan will celebrate the arrival of fall with a ceremony at the tombs of their ancestors. In order to pay tribute to the dead, red spider lilies are commonly planted on and around grave sites as a part of this ceremonial practice.
What is the flower for death funeral? ›
Traditionally in Western cultures, red roses at a funeral symbolize strength and dignity. White is also a popular colour, symbolizing honour and peace. Of course, bright flowers and pastels are also appropriate. Blue flowers represent sadness, and purple flowers represent respect.
What is the flower for a Dead loved one? ›
White flowers are commonly used in sympathy bouquets. Peace lilies, white carnations, white roses, and white daisies are often displayed in these bouquets. These flowers symbolize peace and serenity. They also celebrate the life of the one who passed and serve to honor their memory.
What is the flower of heaven? ›
The rose, called the Flower of Heaven in Islam, symbolizes the Prophet Muhammad. The early Rose culture is associated with the early Arab conquests and the history of the caliphate (the rule of a Muslim ruler). In Islamic mythology and mysticism, the rose represents divine beauty.
What is the flower of the god of the Dead? ›
Flowers, which symbolize the brevity of life, are an essential element of the Day of the Dead ofrenda. Though many different flowers are used in Day of the Dead celebrations, one flower has become a national symbol for the festival: the marigold.
What is the Chinese flower of death? ›
The Death Flower Also Known As The Red Spider Lily. The red spider lily is synonymous with abandonment, loss, death, and separation.
3. Flowers types and their meanings. Apart from colours, Buddhists also attach meanings to specific types of flowers. Lotuses, chrysanthemums, and lilies are commonly sent as condolence flowers for Buddhist funerals, as they stand for values like peace, purity, and freedom – making them safe choices.
Why is spider lily the flower of death? ›
To ensure the graves were left alone, people planted the poisonous red spider lilies over buried bodies to deter animals. Graves and death were soon associated with the red spider lily, earning it the name of 'death flower' and the even darker, 'corpse flower'.
What flower symbolizes death tattoo? ›
Black roses represent death and destruction. Pink roses mean gentleness, happiness, femininity, and grace. Lavender roses are dedicated to love at first sight.
What flower means goodbye? ›
Known as the "golden flower," chrysanthemums are also frequently associated with retirement celebrations and farewell parties. Their vibrant colours and delicate petals make them an ideal choice for bidding adieu to a colleague or loved one and showing gratitude to the departing individual.
What flower is a death threat? ›
Cultural significance and symbolism
Azaleas and rhododendrons were once so infamous for their toxicity that to receive a bouquet of their flowers in a black vase was a well-known death threat.
What is a death bloom? ›
What Is A Death Bloom? "Death bloom" refers to the act of a plant dying when it has bloomed and produced seeds. The seeds' production causes hormonal changes within the plant that redirect resources and energy from the roots and leaves to the seed production, and ultimately, the plant will die.
