Flowers have long held symbolic meaning in cultures across the world. Certain flowers have come to represent different emotions, life events, or messages. When looking at the language of flowers, there are a few different flowers that have come to symbolize death or mourning.
Flowers that Represent Death
Some of the main flowers associated with death, funerals, grieving, and memorials include:
- Lilies – Lilies are one of the most common funeral flowers. White stargazer lilies specifically symbolize sympathy. Lilies are said to represent the soul’s return to a state of innocence after death.
- Chrysanthemums – In many European countries, chrysanthemums are strongly associated with death and funerals. White chrysanthemums are most common at funerals.
- Carnations – Carnations are funeral flowers that vary in meaning depending on color. White carnations represent pure love and innocence, while dark red carnations symbolize grief.
- Gladioli – Gladioli are funeral flowers that represent strength of character, faithfulness, and moral integrity. The sword-shaped flowers are thought to provide strength and calm.
- Roses – Roses have complex symbolic meanings that depend on color. In general, black roses represent death and farewell. Dark crimson roses symbolize grief and sorrow.
- Orchids – Orchids are a more modern funeral flower associated with love and beauty. White or purple orchids specifically signify respect, dignity, and hope for the afterlife.
These flowers are commonly used in funeral wreaths, sprays, and standing arrangements. They may also be sent as condolence bouquets or planted in memorial gardens.
Why Lilies are Strongly Associated with Death
Of all funeral flowers, lilies feature the strongest association with death. There are a few reasons why lilies became so strongly tied to death and mourning:
- Symbolism – In many cultures and time periods, lilies represented the restored innocence of the soul at death. This comes from ancient Greek mythology linking lilies to Elysium, the final resting place of heroic souls.
- Purity – The white color of lilies represents the purity and peacefulness of death. This contrasts with the vivacity of life.
- Scent – Lilies have a very strong, sweet fragrance that was thought to mask the scent of death.
- Seasonality – Lilies bloom around Easter and in the summer, times when mortality rates historically rose.
The symbolism, color, and seasonal nature of lilies made them a natural choice for grave markers and funeral tributes. Their role as funeral flowers became cemented during the Victorian era. To this day lilies, especially white stargazer lilies, remain the most iconic and recognizable funeral flower.
Other Symbolic Flowers
While lilies, chrysanthemums, roses, and carnations make up the bulk of funeral arrangements, other flowers also carry symbolic ties to death:
- Poppies – Red poppies symbolize sleep, rest, and death.
- Irises – Purple irises represent wisdom and admiration, making them popular for memorials.
- Daffodils – Though more commonly symbolic of rebirth, some cultures associate daffodils with death due to their narcotic sap.
- Cyclamen – This winter-blooming flower represents resignation and goodbye.
- Hyacinths – Hyacinths tied to myths of death stand for sorrow and lamentation.
- Marigolds – As the iconic Day of the Dead flower, marigolds represent grief, mourning, and mortality.
- Willow – The weeping willow tree is a common symbol of mourning and sadness at loss.
- Fir – Like other evergreens, fir trees signify eternal life and reminders of the deceased.
Beyond these flowers, plants like rosemary, forget-me-nots, and bellflowers carry additional meanings related to remembrance and grief. Even dried leaves or grasses can work beautifully in memorial wreaths or funeral spray arrangements.
Meaningful Arrangements
When selecting flowers to honor a loved one, consider their favorite flowers or arrangements with symbolic meaning. Here are some popular types of floral tributes:
- Casket sprays – Casket sprays are arrangements that drape over the casket, typically featuring carnations, lilies, and roses.
- Wreaths – Funeral wreaths are circular arrangements traditionally featuring lilies, roses, and baby’s breath.
- Standing sprays – Standing sprays sit on tripod easels by the casket or memorial, including lilies and gladiolus.
- Hearts – Heart-shaped arrangements symbolize love, often made with red roses.
- Crosses – Cross arrangements represent faith and Christianity, especially with white lilies.
- Baskets – Mixed flower baskets offer warm, personalized arrangements.
- Blankets – Flower blankets cover the casket in carnations, daisies, roses, or other meaningful blooms.
Floral arrangements can continue to commemorate a loved one after a funeral or memorial service:
- Gravesite flowers – Fresh or artificial arrangements decorate graves, sometimes in vases or pots.
- Memorial wreaths – Wreaths honor the deceased on holidays, anniversaries, or special occasions.
- Memory gardens – Planted gardens feature symbolic flowers and provide places to reflect.
International Traditions
Across the world, different flowers hold symbolic meaning and traditional roles in funerary customs:
| Country | Significant Funeral Flowers |
|---|---|
| Japan | Chrysanthemums, lotus, orchids |
| China | White lilies, chrysanthemums, roses, carnations |
| Australia | Native greenery like eucalyptus |
| Netherlands | Roses, lilies, gladiolus, chrysanthemums |
| Indonesia | Jasmine, tuberose, orchids |
| Mexico | Marigolds, roses, carnations for Day of the Dead |
While lilies and roses remain popular globally, funeral flowers vary based on local meanings, availability, costs, and religious customs. With the rise of globalization, flower choices are also becoming more homogeneous worldwide.
Selecting Funeral Flowers
When selecting flowers for a funeral, consider the following tips:
- Choose flowers with symbolic meaning or the deceased’s favorite blooms.
- Select flower colors suited to a funeral, like white for purity or pink for gentleness.
- Match traditional funeral flowers like lilies and carnations unless personal preferences differ.
- Consider seasonal flowers for variety or fragrance.
- Incorporate greenery for texture and full arrangements.
- Pick arrangements that express your sentiments – condolences, love, grief.
- Choose flowers and vases that fit within your budget.
A florist can help recommend appropriate funeral flower options that express sympathy, commemorate meaningfully, and stay within your budget. Choose funeral flowers that honor the spiritual beliefs and preferences of the deceased for the most thoughtful tribute.
Conclusion
Flowers speak a profound symbolic language we instinctively understand. Particular flowers like lilies, roses, and chrysanthemums have long-held associations with grief, loss, and mortality. Their somber colors and fragile nature make them natural symbols of the transition from life to death. Funeral flowers convey sympathy, commemorate the deceased, and remind us of the fragility of life. By understanding the deep meanings associated with flowers, we can honor loved ones through floral tributes that provide comfort, respect, and hope.