A Brief History Of Funeral Flowers

The practice of using flowers at funerals spans thousands of years, symbolising the profound meanings associated with flowers and their ties to life, death, and remembrance.

Throughout various cultures and historical eras, funeral flowers have served to convey sorrow, extend condolences, and honour the life of those who have passed.

Traditions have adapted over time, blending both old and modern customs. In this blog, we look at their ongoing role in honouring our loved ones.

The Earliest Uses of Funeral Flowers:

The earliest known use of flowers in burial customs can be traced back to approximately 62,000 B.C. Archaeologists found remains in a cave located in Iraq. They found that flowers were arranged around the bodies as part of the burial ceremonies. This ancient practice shows that the tradition of using flowers in funerals is not a contemporary concept but has significant historical foundations.

In Ancient Egypt, flowers held great symbolic meaning (symbolising rebirth) and were frequently included in funeral rites to pay tribute to the deceased and facilitate their journey to the afterlife. Garlands crafted from lotus flowers, papyrus, and other indigenous plants were used in burial ceremonies, sometimes placed directly on mummified remains.

Similarly, in ancient Greek and Roman civilisations, flowers played a sacred role in burial traditions often connected to deities and the cycles of life and death. Flowers and garlands were placed on graves, and at times, the deceased were adorned with floral wreaths. Commonly used flowers included myrtle, laurel, and violets, each carrying symbolic meanings associated with remembrance, respect, and the afterlife.

Throughout the ages, flowers have symbolised various cultural perspectives on death and mourning. In some early communities, they were viewed as a means to conceal unpleasant smells linked to decay. As burial customs progressed, funeral flowers began to represent a deeper spiritual and symbolic importance. For instance, in ancient China, flowers were presented to spirits as part of burial practices, whilst in India, flowers have traditionally been used to signify rites of passage, including funerals. 

The belief that flowers can assist in leading the spirits of the departed has influenced numerous cultures. In ancient Christian funerals, flowers were used to represent the promise of resurrection and everlasting life, a custom that is still observed in various Christian denominations today. 

Lilies have a wonderful fragrance

In the medieval period of Europe, flowers and herbs played a significant role in funeral traditions. At that time the use of fragrant flowers and herbs served to disguise the odour of decay as embalming was not widely used. People would adorn coffins with layers of flowers to maintain a pleasant aroma. As funerals progressed, the act of placing flowers at a funeral became more symbolic rather than merely practical.

Floriography:

The Victorian period represented a major shift in the use of funeral flowers, as the concept of the language of flowers, or 'floriography,' gained popularity.

During this era, flowers were employed to express specific feelings without the need for words. The Victorians placed great significance on the meanings associated with each flower, which also influenced their use in funerals.

For instance:

• Lilies represented restored innocence and the purity of the soul.

• Laurel was used to denote honour and victory, particularly for individuals who had led distinguished lives.

• Roses (depending on their colour) symbolised love, sorrow, or remembrance.

The emergence of floriography indicated that flowers used in funerals were not just ornamental adding an extra layer of personalisation to the ceremony.

There are specific flowers that are commonly chosen for funeral arrangements today due to their traditional significance:

• Roses: Found in a variety of colours, roses can convey a range of feelings. Red roses signify love and respect, Pink roses denote appreciation and grace whilst White roses denote innocence and reverence.

• Carnations: Renowned for their longevity, carnations are frequently used in funeral arrangements to symbolise remembrance. Pink carnations (in particular) honour the memory of the departed.

• Chrysanthemums: Especially important in Europe and Asia, chrysanthemums are often included in funeral tributes to represent death, mourning, and sorrow.

• Lilies: Regarded as one of the most favoured flowers for funerals. Lilies are frequently linked to the restored innocence of the deceased’s spirit.

• These flowers, when arranged in different combinations, can be customised to reflect the personality, preferences, or cultural heritage of the deceased, and adds a personal element to the ceremony.

In today's world, funeral traditions have evolved to be more personal, and funeral flowers often serve a key role in honouring a loved one. Whether it’s a modest Tied Sheaf placed on the casket or an intricate floral display that mirrors the interests or passions of the deceased... the options are varied. Additionally, integrating funeral flowers with the designs of the funeral order of service can help create a cohesive and meaningful tribute.

Bespoke floral tributes enable families to go beyond conventional arrangements. Custom designs can feature specific themes, shapes, or even symbols that held significance for the departed. For instance, a tribute shaped like a cherished item or a floral arrangement containing favourite flowers of the deceased brings a distinctive and personal element.

In various Eastern cultures, flowers used during funerals hold distinct cultural meanings and symbolism. For instance, in Japan, white chrysanthemums are frequently included in funeral arrangements as they represent death and sorrow. The colour white is regarded as the traditional mourning colour in Japanese culture, representing purity and the soul's departure. In China, funeral practices are influenced by Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist beliefs. While white flowers are typically employed to denote mourning, it is crucial to steer clear of red flowers, which signify celebration and joy. The meaning of flowers can differ by region, with certain blooms like lilies and chrysanthemums being preferred for their spiritual importance.

In Western societies, the selection of funeral flowers is often based on their conventional meanings. For example, lilies, roses, and carnations are popular choices due to their connections with peace, love, and remembrance. In countries like the UK, white chrysanthemums are mainly utilized for funerals and are viewed as a symbol of devoted love and loyalty. In some European nations, it is a tradition to place individual flowers on graves as a final farewell gesture. In Italy and Spain, marigolds are occasionally featured in funeral ceremonies, as they are thought to embody the beauty and fragility of life.

Even within the UK, there are differences in the use of funeral flowers. In certain rural regions, traditional funeral practices still impact flower selections, while in urban areas, contemporary and personalised floral arrangements have gained popularity. In areas of Scotland for instance, heather is sometimes included in floral tributes as a representation of national pride and remembrance.

Traditional funeral flowers are usually arranged in forms like wreaths, crosses, hearts and sprays. Wreaths, (which are circular to represent eternal life) are among the most popular arrangements. Cross-shaped designs are frequently selected for religious ceremonies, while Casket Sprays and Standing Sprays are positioned on or near the coffin as a tribute to the departed.

There has been a movement towards more personalised and distinctive floral arrangements. Families now aim to showcase the personality or interests of their loved ones through bespoke tributes.

Current trends include:

• Eco Friendly Flowers: Sustainable and biodegradable choices are gaining popularity, such as using locally sourced flowers or creating arrangements that can be replanted after the service.

• Themed Arrangements: Floral tributes that represent a hobby, profession, or passion of the deceased, like football-themed displays or arrangements shaped like musical instruments.

• Minimalist Designs: Some families opt for a more understated approach, selecting smaller, more subtle floral tributes.

To enhance the uniqueness of funeral flowers, some families add non-traditional elements like ribbons, photographs, or keepsakes into the floral arrangements. This method provides a personal touch and can help narrate the story of the deceased’s life. 

Choosing Funeral Flowers

Choosing flowers that resonate with the message you want to express can enhance the tribute's significance.

If the individual had a preferred colour or flower, integrating these aspects into both the floral arrangements and the order of service can provide a personal touch.

With an increasing awareness of environmental issues, numerous families are selecting eco-conscious funeral flowers.

This may involve:

• Biodegradable arrangements: Floral designs created without floral foam (which is non-biodegradable), or using compostable materials such as wire, twigs, moss and agra wool.

• Locally sourced flowers: Obtaining flowers from nearby growers to minimise the carbon footprint linked to importing blooms from overseas.

• Living tributes: Rather than conventional cut flowers, living plants or trees can serve as a lasting homage to the departed.

Alongside opting for eco-friendly arrangements, there are additional sustainable options to explore:

Seed paper tributes: Flower seed paper can be used for funeral order of service booklets. Once the booklet is no longer required, it can be planted to cultivate wildflowers.

Modern memorials and celebrations of life frequently shift away from conventional, solemn funeral traditions, instead emphasising the celebration of the deceased’s life in a more intimate manner. Flowers at such events may showcase bright and lively colours or arrangements that represent the interests or favourite pastimes of the departed.

The integration of technology in memorial services is also transforming the function of funeral flowers. Digital tributes, like photo slide-shows or online memorial pages, can include images of floral arrangements. Families can feature flowers in their digital presentations by capturing photographs of the displays to keep the memory alive.

Some families opt to transform funeral flowers into keepsakes, such as pressing petals into a memorial frame or crafting dried flowers into jewellery. These imaginative alternatives allow the memory of the floral tribute to be treasured long after the service.

To Sum Up

Funeral flowers have held a significant place throughout history, from their ancient beginnings to contemporary practices. Whether used to convey sympathy, honour the deceased, or offer solace to grieving families, flowers for funerals remain a meaningful and beautiful tradition. As customs change, so do the methods by which floral tributes are used to represent individual personalities and cultural practices.

At 'Bud & Flower', we strive to provide personalised 'Artisan' funeral flower arrangements that pay tribute to loved ones in the most appropriate and personal manner.