Everyone who attends a funeral will have an expectation that there will be flowers on or around the coffin. It has been the custom and tradition for flowers to be associated with funerals for centuries and there are several reasons why they continue to be used today:
- Expression of sympathy and respect: This is the most common reason for sending flowers to a funeral. Flowers serve as a visual representation of love, condolence, and respect for the deceased. Their beauty and fragrance can offer a sense of comfort and peace during a difficult time.
- Symbolism: Different flowers carry different meanings, allowing people to express specific sentiments. Lilies often symbolise purity and innocence, roses represent love and affection, while carnations convey remembrance and respect. Choosing flowers with specific meanings can add a personal touch to the gesture.
- Beauty and comfort: Funerals can be sombre occasions, and the vibrant colours and delicate beauty of flowers can help to create a more pleasant and comforting atmosphere. They can serve as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the enduring beauty of nature.
- Historical tradition: The use of flowers in funerals dates back to ancient civilizations. Egyptians placed flowers on bodies to mask unpleasant odours, while Greeks and Romans associated them with the afterlife. This long-standing tradition adds a sense of continuity and cultural significance to the practice.
- Cultural variations: While the use of flowers at funerals is widespread, specific customs and preferences can vary around the world. In some cultures, certain colours or types of flowers might be considered inappropriate or hold specific meanings. It’s always best to be mindful of cultural sensitivities when sending funeral flowers.
In more recent times, we have seen an increase of people placing individual flowers on the coffin as they leave the crematorium chapel or placing one in the grave at the end of the committal service. There are also more occurrences of families taking the flowers back home with them, rather than leaving them at the crematorium.
Overall, flowers at funerals serve as a multifaceted way to express condolences, respect, and offer comfort during a time of grief. They carry personal and cultural significance, adding beauty and meaning to a solemn occasion.
This all being said, we have noticed a change in the quantity of flowers which adorn the deceased on their last journey. Some families will choose to come together and have one special piece made, that symbolises a specific part of the person’s life, while others are encouraged to donate to a favourite charity in lieu of flowers. Some families, colleagues or friends may choose to release doves as an alternative to the tradition of sending flowers. In some instances, families will ask for family flowers only, which we encourage mourners to respect.
Whatever the reason for sending flowers, be it, tradition, symbolism or specifics, it is likely that flowers will remain a constant part of the funeral tradition for centuries to come.