Discover the meanings and significance of 10 flowers symbolizing death in this informative guide.
Flowers play a significant role in funerals across different countries and religions. The symbolism of flowers varies among cultures, so we’ve compiled flowers symbolizing death. These blooms are commonly sent as an expression of sympathy today, serving as a heartfelt gesture of condolences and deep sorrow.
What flowers symbolise death
When someone passes away, a fitting way to express condolences is by sending flowers. Flowers can be sent to the deceased person’s family or to the location of the funeral service, such as a funeral home. There are various types of funeral flower arrangements, such as standing sprays, funeral wreaths, and sympathy baskets.
In nearly all cultures, flowers provide comfort and create a sense of solace, easing the atmosphere of mourning at the funeral. Spiritually, some flowers associated with death symbolize a return to the source, as death is a natural part of life. Furthermore, flowers are often linked to mythological goddesses.
The language of flowers has existed in ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Chinese cultures. The tradition of sending flowers to funerals continues to this day.
1. Carnation Flowers
In Europe, carnation bouquets, whether composed of a single color or a mix of white, pink, and red, have long been regarded as symbols of remembrance. Red carnations are a way to express appreciation and love, conveying the sentiment, ‘My heart aches for you.’ Meanwhile, white and pink carnations symbolize purity and cherished memories.
During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, these flowers gained popularity because it was believed that wearing them could protect against execution during battles. Today, carnations are frequently chosen for sympathy flowers and funeral wreaths.
2. Chrysanthemum Flowers
Chrysanthemum flowers are the most common blooms in funeral floral arrangements. In the United States, they symbolize truth and purity and are used as a symbol to commemorate someone who lived a full life. They are also employed in funeral ceremonies in France and Germany. Conversely, in Malta and Italy, keeping chrysanthemums indoors is considered unlucky.
In Japan, white chrysanthemums are associated with death. Japanese Buddhists believe in reincarnation, and they have a custom of placing chrysanthemum flowers and money inside the casket to assist the departed soul in crossing the Sanzu River.
In Chinese culture, it’s customary to offer a bouquet of white and yellow chrysanthemums as a sign of respect for the deceased. Using red flowers, which symbolize joy and happiness, is considered inappropriate when expressing condolences to a grieving family.
3. White Lily Flowers
White lilies are exceptionally beautiful and emit a strong fragrance. They symbolize innocence, purity, and rebirth.
While there are various types of lilies, white lilies stand out as a symbol of tranquility. They are often used to represent hidden truths and eternal life.
4. Roses Flowers
Roses are versatile flowers that convey a range of emotions, including those related to death and sorrow, as well as respect and courage. The color of a rose can carry different meanings. White roses are commonly chosen for funerals involving children and young individuals, symbolizing their innocence, purity, and youthful spirit.
Purple roses also find a place in funeral floral arrangements, especially for grandparents and older individuals, as they embody a sense of solemnity and elegant beauty.
5. Marigolds Flowers
Marigolds are flowers that hold a symbolic connection to death in Mexico. Specifically chosen for their significance, they play a prominent role during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, honoring those who have passed away.
In Mexico, marigolds are frequently placed on graves and ancestral altars as a gesture of remembrance. Additionally, they are commonly included in wreaths and funeral flower arrangements, serving as a meaningful and culturally rich expression of respect and tribute.
6. Orchids
When someone passes away in Hawaii, orchids are often adorned with garlands or necklaces called “lei” in addition to being given as celebratory flowers. These flowers, especially white and pink orchids, symbolize elegance and beauty, as well as a way to express love and sympathy.
7. Poppies
Poppies symbolize forgetfulness and eternal sleep. In ancient Rome, poppies were placed on graves as they were believed to bestow immortality. 3,000-year-old Egyptian tombs also bear evidence of the presence of these flowers.
Poppies sprouted from the battlefields after World War II in northern France and the Flanders region. According to legend, the red poppy became a symbol to remember those who lost their lives in war because this flower grew from the blood spilled in the conflict.
Today, poppies are still commonly used to honor soldiers worldwide. In Australia, it’s a flower symbolizing death and a life dedicated to serving the country. Prince William of England laid a wreath of poppies to commemorate those who fell on the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of France.
8. Tulips
Tulips have held a profound significance in Iranian culture for centuries, rooted in both ancient traditions and more recent historical events. The cultural importance of tulips in Iran is multifaceted and extends beyond their association with martyrdom.
In the context of modern Iranian history, tulips have been recognized as symbols of martyrdom since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. According to Shi’ism, it is believed that red tulips grew from the spilled blood of Ḥusayn, the grandson of the prophet Muhammad, who was martyred in a battle against the Umayyad dynasty.
However, the cultural significance of tulips in Iran dates back much further. Since the 6th century, tulips have been linked to themes of eternal love and sacrifice. In a Persian legend, the story of Prince Farhad and his beloved Shirin adds a romantic touch to the tulip’s symbolism. Overwhelmed with grief upon hearing false news of Shirin’s death, Farhad rode his horse off a cliff. Where his blood touched the ground, red tulips bloomed, forever associating these flowers with the concept of everlasting love.
9. Daffodils
The most common associations with daffodils are transience and being a flower symbolizing death. In medieval times, this flower was thought to foreshadow death. Nowadays, daffodils are a meaningful choice to offer grieving families, as they symbolize new beginnings, resurrection, rebirth, and the assurance of eternal life, especially during the loss of a loved one.
10. Anemone flowers
Ancient Egyptians once associated anemone flowers with illness. In several Asian cultures, these blooms symbolize misfortune, carrying associations with abandonment, fading hope, suffering, and death.
In Greek, the name “Anemone” means “wind,” which led to their nickname as windflowers. According to Greek mythology, Anemone flowers sprouted from the tears of Aphrodite’s beloved, Adonis, who had met a tragic end. In Europe, these flowers are seen as a symbol of hope and are occasionally used as a way to remember a departed loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flowers Symbolizing Death
If you still feel the need to gain a better understanding of flowers symbolizing death and loss, here are some commonly asked questions about them that you should know.
Where Did the Symbolism of Flowers for Death Originate?
In 1951, a group of archaeologists made a significant discovery while excavating the earliest recorded remains of pollen in a remote cave in Iran. Surrounding what was believed to be a grave were traces of flowers. The presence of similar burial sites throughout the cave and corresponding pollen suggested that they had used the cave as a burial site.
Can You Send Funeral Flowers for Different Religions?
Because death and mourning are universal experiences in our multicultural world, it’s important to understand the appropriate timing for sending flowers to loved ones who belong to different religious beliefs.
- Sending funeral flowers for Buddhists: At Buddhist funerals, which are often held at home, funeral flowers typically come in colors like yellow, white, and purple. It’s best to avoid sending red flowers, as red is considered a color of joy and good fortune in Buddhist culture.
- Sending funeral flowers for Taoists: For Taoist funerals, it may be more suitable to send a basket of fruits or a gift basket.
- Sending funeral flowers for Muslims: When it comes to Muslim funerals, it’s essential to consider the specific branch of Islam, so it’s advisable to ask the family of the deceased for guidance.
In today’s world of freedom and diverse religious systems integrated into multiculturalism, sending condolence flowers to grieving families will always be viewed as a considerate and compassionate gesture.
What Do the Colors of Funeral Flowers Symbolize?
Here are the most common meanings associated with the colors of flowers symbolizing death:
- White: Symbolizes reverence, respect, and rebirth.
- Pink: Symbolizes peace and tranquility.
- Deep Red: Symbolizes profound sorrow and deep mourning.
- Yellow: Represents hope.
- Purple: Represents sadness or mourning.
Conclusion
Flowers are not only used as gifts but also carry various meanings. In today’s world, flowers are used to symbolize pain, parting, and memories. However, it’s essential to choose flowers that symbolize death appropriately according to local culture. Hopefully, the information shared by Xu Farm above has helped you select the necessary flowers, and please feel free to explore our other articles!
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