Floriography — the language of flowers — gives special meaning to different blooms. Sympathy flowers in particular can carry meaningful messages. Find out which funeral flower signifies romance, which is meant for a child, and which one says “I’ll always remember you.”
AZALEA
AZALEA––The azalea is the flower that ushers in springtime in the southern United States. That’s one reason it’s so closely associated with beauty and rebirth. These blooms are often given as a symbolic message to, “Take care of yourself,” which is an important sentiment to extend to the bereaved.
Baby’s Breath
BABY’S BREATH––As its name suggests, baby’s breath represents innocence and purity of heart. Though the small white blossoms are used to honor loved ones of all ages, they’re particularly appropriate after the death of a child.
CARNATION
Carnations are one of the flowers most closely associated with condolences. Pink carnations in funeral arrangements denote lasting friendship and undying remembrance.
CHRYSANTHEMUM
CHRYSANTHEMUM––Cultures throughout the world associate chrysanthemums with sympathy and grief. In Europe, the flowers are commonly used in funeral arrangements and placed on graves. In China, Korea and Japan, white chrysanthemums symbolize grief.
Fern
FERN––Although ferns aren’t commonly seen in funeral arrangements, they can be a meaningful addition. Symbolic of sincerity and sorrow, they also suggest rebirth as their spiral-shaped shoots unfurl slowly into the mature frond.
Forget-Me-Not
FORGET-ME-NOT––Forget-Me-Nots represent true love and the hope of being remembered forever. In 15th- century Germany, women often wore the flower as a sign of faithfulness and enduring love. A spouse or significant other may choose to include them in their partner’s arrangement as a symbol of devotion.
GLADIOLUS
GLADIOLUS––When featured in funeral arrangements, the gladiolus expresses respect for the deceased’s integrity and strength of character. The connection to strength dates back to ancient Rome, when they were associated with gladiators. The pointed leaves are reminiscent of a sword (“gladius” in Latin).
HYDRANGEA
HYDRANGEA––The hydrangea represents sincere and heartfelt emotion. Its flowers bloom seasonally, so if planted, it can serve as an ongoing reminder of the giver’s love and support.
IRIS
IRIS––Symbols of faith, admiration and friendship, irises were planted on graves in ancient Greece with the hope of summoning the goddess Iris to guide souls to the afterlife. The flowers bloom in more than 200 varieties and a rainbow of colors.
LILY
LILY––White lilies are the quintessential sympathy flower. They symbolize a return to innocence for the deceased. Catholics associate the fragrant flowers with the Virgin Mary and resurrection
ORCHID
ORCHID––Orchids are treasured for their exquisite beauty and because they keep blooming long after other arrangements have withered. Because of their longevity, they’re associated with everlasting love — the kind that stays strong even after someone is gone.
ROSE
ROSE––No flower is more closely associated with love than a rose. In funeral arrangements, they can convey different types of love depending on their colors. Red petals represent romantic love; pink indicate deep appreciation; and yellow honor a strong friendship. Joe DiMaggio sent red roses to ex-wife Marilyn Monroe’s grave twice a week for more than 20 years.
HERBS & AROMATICS
HERBS & AROMATICS––Perhaps a loved one enjoyed cooking with rosemary, or always kept a lavender-scented candle flickering in their home. Including these scents in a funeral arrangement can link us directly to those fond memories. Here are a few aromatics to consider (plus the meanings they’re commonly associated with).
