A Guide to Funeral Flowers
In all areas of our lives, flowers are an essential way to express our emotions.
Love, celebration, and sadness can be conveyed with a single bloom or beautiful arrangement. When it is time to express condolence or sympathy, flowers are a heartfelt tradition to deliver comfort to someone in grief. The incorporation of flowers into the farewell ritual has existed for millennia. Here’s a brief overview of the origin funeral flowers, the different kinds of arrangements available, and some helpful tips for choosing just the right flowers to convey just the right sentiment.
Placing flowers around a deceased person is one of the oldest forms to show mourning. The practice was first seen in 62,000 BC when multiple species of wild flowers were found at burial sites in Northern Iraq. The use of flowers for thousands of years was merely utilitarian, as they helped to cover unpleasant odors of a deceased body. As practices led to better preservation techniques, funeral flowers became a way to express love, sympathy and respect without words.
Flowers represent a spiritual significance by symbolizing the life cycle. Eternity and mortality are both reflected in their petals. As the flower is fragile, so is human life. Both also require tenderness and light to help them blossom. They provide a soothing and beautiful backdrop to an otherwise heavy and somber occasion. Most importantly, they add dignity to the service and reassurance for family and friends of the deceased that others are thinking of them.
Funeral flowers are available in many forms. Flowers may be the same type, color or a combination of stems. Bouquets are the most common floral arrangement. They consist of a grouping of flowers displayed in a vase or basket. Sprays are intended to be a focal point or centerpiece Sprays are large displays often shaped like a cross or a heart. Wreaths are circle floral arrangements. Because of their shape, wreath arrangements are felt to represent eternal life. Casket sprays are selected by the immediate family or friends of the deceased. This large arrangement of flowers is laid across the top of the casket.
You may have encountered the terms funeral flowers and sympathy flowers. There is a difference. Overall, funeral flowers are those selected by family members or close family friends. Funeral flowers represent the type of blooms the deceased would have desired to be included. Funeral flowers are larger and easily viewed from all areas of the service. Sympathy flowers, while still sent in response to the death of a loved one, can be sent to the home of a family member or friend of the deceased and are generally meant to offer support to the grieving rather than honor the deceased.
Did you know that different flowers convey different meanings? The hyacinth means you are in our prayers. Mums express deep love, while carnations relay friendship and platonic support. Heartfelt emotions are shown with hydrangea. Orchids convey eternal love, and roses send a message of love, respect and courage. The peace lily is popular, as it shows the wish for peace and contentment. No matter what flowers you choose, the recipient will be happy to know that you are with them in their time of need.
The caring and professional staff at Bi-State Cremation & Funeral Service is ready to answer your questions about St. Louis funeral home flowers, services, and options for you and your family in the event you lose someone. Let us be your guide through this difficult time. Call anytime, 24×7 at (314) 831-8868.