20/08/2024
Did you know?........π
Placing flowers on a coffin has been a long held tradition in the funeral industry, but where did it all start and what types of flowers are used?
Flowers first appeared at burial sites around 62,000BC. Flower fragments which included thistles and hollyhocks, had originally been placed on the site of an ancient burial in Northern Iraq, marking them as the first flowers known to have been used for a funeral some 64,000 years ago.
Flowers also symbolise the cycle from birth through to death. The fact that the flowers usually regenerate gives us a subliminal message of hope that somewhere and somehow, we continue to exist. So flowers represent not only love and sympathy, but also eternity and immortality.
Today, funeral flowers are sent for a number of different reasons. It can be so difficult for friends of those mourning a death to put their feelings into words and flowers can act as an unspoken expression of love, comfort, sympathy and respect. They are a way of expressing that the bereaved person is in our thoughts. (ref: Farewells & Funerals. Caroline James)
Flowers and their meanings: Typical examples of funeral flowers include: Wild Flowers, Roses, Lilies and Chrysanthemums.
Red roses are believed to symbolise grief and sorrow β and tend to be given by partners or close family members.
Pink roses represent grace and gratitude, so are gifted by other family members and mourners.
Yellow roses are often given by friends as a sign of the depth of their friendship.
White lilies represent purity, majesty, and a return to innocence.
Peace lily plants represent rebirth, harmony, and peace.
Gladioli convey strength of character and moral integrity.
Chrysanthemums represent loyalty and friendship.
Colour also plays a part in the display and tributes. Due to dyes, flowers can now be any colour you wish; this can be useful when the florist is designing a specific tribute for your loved one.
Red flowers: Can signify strength, respect, love, and devotion
Blue flowers: Can represent sadness, sympathy, and peace
Orange flowers: Can signify enthusiasm, joy, and warmth
Purple flowers: Can represent respect, sorrow, sympathy, and admiration
Yellow flowers: Can signify friendship, warmth, and hope.
I hope this little piece of information was of use to you when designing and creating your own tributes for your loved one. π β€οΈ
