Sympathy flowers have a long tradition of being sent to the bereaved because their symbolic meanings serve as a way of expressing feelings and messages to loved ones. After losing a loved one, it can be hard to know what to say and how to express your sympathy.
Flowers are sentimental all over the world. They represent sympathy, love, and respect. Using flowers goes back to ancient times, although they were most likely used for different reasons.
According to written records, people first started using flowers at funerals to mask the scent of a decaying body. In these early times, funeral flowers were primarily chosen based on their strong fragrances. As embalming came into play, flowers moved from being a necessity to representing sympathy and respect for the departed soul.
In the midwest, funerals included "flower ladies." This group, usually consisting of about six women, would carry flowers from the funeral home to the flower vehicle. The ladies would then be responsible for arranging the flowers at the cemetery.
In Ancient Egypt flowers were abundant and their beauty fascinated people, who believed they possessed sacred and symbolic qualities. They followed elaborate funeral practices, which they believed allowed them to achieve immortality after death. These practices allowed the person to use all their senses in the afterlife with different elements to symbolize different beliefs.
During WW1, men would gather flowers alongside the battlefield as a way to honor the dead and decorate their resting places. As conflict eventually came to an end, the red poppies that bloomed became vivid reminders of the tolls of war.
At home, the scarcities of war rationing affected the supply of fresh flowers. As a result of this, people began turning to artificial flowers to honor their loved ones who had passed away. Flowers made of silk or paper were used to create wreaths, bouquets, and other arrangements to adorn graves and honor the lives of those who had died during the war.
Even when the war came to an end, this trend continued, the use of artificial flowers continuing as a way of paying tribute to those who died. This change reflected some of the broader cultural and social changes that took place as a result of the war. With artificial flowers, people were able to create lasting tributes that were both beautiful and enduring, even in the aftermath of the devastation brought on by the war. This also created a revenue stream for wounded soldiers who couldn’t return to their jobs before the war but were able to create these flowers even with limited mobility.
In China, white chrysanthemums are widely used to symbolize death, as they represent grief and sorrow. Similarly, in Japan, funeral arrangements often feature lilies or chrysanthemums placed on the casket as a sign of respect and remembrance. In India, marigolds are a popular choice for funeral flower arrangements. These vibrant orange flowers represent grief and sorrow in Hindu culture, often used to decorate the casket or alter it during funeral services.
For a complete list of funeral flowers and their significance, read THIS Article.
In modern times, we have several reasons we give flowers during and immediately after a loss. Since I’m in the business of giving away flowers, I encourage you to continue the tradition long of bringing flowers to others. Check-in often and continue to give flowers or plants in honor of a loved one. Request flowers from us while we have them this summer and pick them up at one of our drop-off locations in Elk Grove. Pick some from your own yard or grab them from your favorite flower local provider. Shameless plug for my flower buddies below!
If you’re in a hurry and you can’t by from one of my favs, try Trader Joe’s or Costco. They usually have a great selection at very reasonable prices.
7 Reasons to Give Flowers:
A Symbol of Love and Sympathy: Giving flowers symbolizes and honors the life of the deceased and commemorates their passing. Flowers are a universal symbol of love, care and sympathy that convey deep emotions and sentiments that are often difficult to express verbally. They can provide comfort for their family and show you care for them during this time of mourning.
Shows Support: For those that can’t be there physically, sending flowers or plants with a card shows support for the grieving, even months and years after a loved one’s passing. It shows you are thinking of them and are there for them as they cope with their loss.
Provides Comfort to the Bereaved: Colorful, cheerful, fragrant flowers can provide a sense of beauty and peace for some. The delivery of flowers may remind them that they are not alone in their sorrow and that others are thinking and praying for them.
Expresses Unspoken Words: Sometimes, words fail us in moments of profound grief. Flowers can express what we find difficult to articulate. They serve as a silent message of compassion, love, and respect, conveying sympathies and support without words. We provide an opportunity to give flowers every summer through our farm-fresh flower jars. Just keep in the loop by following us on Instagram to see every week when we drop off flowers at our 3 locations in Elk Grove. They are free, but we happily accept donations. Pick them up and bring them to someone you haven’t connected with lately to show them you’re thinking of them. Drop a little note with them and tell them they’re in your thoughts and prayers.
Enhancing the Memorial Space: Flowers bring a little beauty to gravesites or memorial gardens. Placing fresh blooms at the site of the deceased can make it a place of beauty and reflection. It’s a way to continually honor their memory and maintain a connection with them. This can also be done by planting evergreen plants or mint so that it continues to grow throughout the years.
Cultural and Traditional Significance: In many traditions, flowers play a significant role in funeral customs. They can symbolize the fleeting nature of life, offer blessings, or serve as an offering to the departed soul. Respecting these traditions by giving flowers is a meaningful way to honor cultural practices and show respect for the beliefs of the bereaved family.
Personal Healing and Reflection: Both the giving and receiving of flowers can be a form of healing. Choosing and arranging flowers allows for personal reflection and a way to process grief. It’s a small act that can bring connection between a griever and someone who is wanting to show support. We often have individuals who come out to the farm to pick flowers for funerals, gravesites and grievers. It’s an activity that often brings our visitors their own time of reflection and appreciation for their blessings.
Flowers are more than just a beautiful gesture; they carry deep meanings and provide comfort during times of loss. Whether given at a funeral or in the days that follow, they offer a tangible expression of sympathy, love and support. In the face of grief, giving flowers is a timeless way to show you care and to honor the memory of those who have passed.
Jill Batiansila, Founder of Together We Heal Community
Resources:
Peachtreepetals.com, opusxenta.com, funeralflowers.org