Mourning and the Symbolism of Flowers

The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult trials we have to go through. When words to console are hard to find, the language of flowers helps translate grief and emotions. Offering a bouquet is a way to pay a final tribute to the deceased. It is also a way to show your support to the family of the departed. This heartfelt message is expressed through the choice of flower varieties and colors.

Which flowers to choose for a mourning ceremony? What is the meaning of the colors? While there is no obligation on the choice of flowers, our guide will help you understand the symbolism of funeral flowers.

Funeral Floral Arrangements

The Angel

This original piece is used symbolically or for mourning the loss of children. Most of the time, we use various flower varieties to create these compositions in the shape of a guardian angel. We can also craft angel wings.

The Heart

This is one of the most requested pieces in recent years. Close family or very dear friends usually request this arrangement. Flat, on a stand, solid, or hollow, we can create all sizes and shapes of hearts. Depending on the preferences of the deceased and the family, it is possible to use only roses or create it with mixed flowers.

The tall arrangement

Increasingly popular, this floral arrangement is more original than traditional funeral flowers. It is a vegetative piece, simple, and natural, arranged in a container. We can create it in all shades and with different flower varieties.

The Wreath

This round arrangement of inserted flowers is usually requested by companies, associations, or groups of friends. We can create it in different ways: with or without a fronton, fully or partially flowered, with more or fewer vegetative elements. This classic piece represents the circle of eternal life. It can be presented flat or on a stand, and most of the time, it will be covered with a ribbon bearing a condolence message.

OUR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CEREMONY

The funeral cushion

The funeral cushion owes its name to its round shape. It is an assembly of flowers or plants inserted into the foam. This very classic and versatile piece can be made in all dimensions and colors. Traditionally, it is friends who have this composition made to celebrate the memory of their departed loved one

The plant bowl

Also called a planter, it is an outdoor floral arrangement composed of green and flowering plants, sometimes adorned with conifers or ivy. This long-lasting and low-maintenance composition is usually placed by loved ones on the deceased's grave. This piece is accessible to all budgets and individuals.

Roses of the last farewell

This simply involves roses inserted into water-soaked foam, covered with woodland moss. Just remove them and place them on the coffin to pay a final tribute to your loved one.

Floral pieces with special effects for mourning

The mourning cross

This floral composition is used for the ceremony of very religious individuals or for church decorations. This piece is classic but can be very original in its execution. It can even be made with only foliage and branches.

OUR FLORAL DECORATIONS FOR THE LAST TRIBUTE

Column decorations

You want to bring more comfort during this difficult time? Icon or column decorations are pieces that will help decorate the ceremony venue.

The landscape

This tall vegetative piece can be requested by the family or friends. Particularly visible during the ceremony, we can make it more or less wide. Also called "front of the tomb," it can be made with several different flower varieties. This tall, voluminous, and elegant composition is placed in front of the coffin during the ceremony, and then it flowers the grave for several days. Often spectacular, this stable piece withstands wind and weather

The coffin cover

This piece is traditionally requested by the family. The coffin cover can be well-inscribed in a shape or, on the contrary, very vegetative and rather rustic. It can be very flat, with a little height, or cascading over the coffin. Depending on your preferences, we can use only roses or a mix of flowers.

Original pieces for mourning

The deceased person had a known passion? It is possible to create more elaborate floral arrangements that stand out. The goal is to celebrate their memory with compositions, flowers, and materials that reflect their personality.

For cremation, we can also create urn decorations to enhance the final resting place of the deceased. Thus, the urn will be placed within a wreath of flowers. Note that all compositions are allowed, provided they are without wire.

Ribbons or bark can accompany mourning pieces to include a final message or indicate the sender of the flowers.

What does the color of funeral flowers mean ?

In addition to the type of flowers, you should also pay attention to the choice of colors for funeral floral arrangements. In the past, there was a specific color code, but things have changed. Today, the colors of funeral flowers are chosen based on the tastes and personality of the deceased. Thus, they evoke the character of the person who has passed away :

•     Bright colors for a lively person: for example, yellow flowers can evoke the memory of someone dynamic and radiating positive energy.

•     Neutral colors for a discreet person: opt for "neutral" tones to recall the memory of the departed.

Often, the family knows well the flowers and colors that the person liked to see or wear. Trust your instincts... Did you know? Ceremonies for children often struggle to be colorful. Most of the time, funeral flowers remain in neutral tones to indicate purity... White is a symbol of innocence.

OUR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LAST TRIBUTE

Mourning and the Symbolism of Flowers: A Closer Look at Other Cultures

The burial is the most common practice in Christianity, and flowers play a significant role and symbolism in this context.

However, it's essential to note that the role of funeral flowers varies across different religions:

• In Judaism, flowers and plants are not commonly used. Small stones are placed on the tomb of the deceased for decoration.

• In Hinduism, only cremation is practiced. A ceremony involving garlands of white, red, and yellow flowers is conducted before cremation.
• In Buddhism, where cremation is prevalent, it is unusual to give flowers to the bereaved. Instead, it is more common to offer candles or incense sticks.

• In Islam, only burial is practiced. The gravestone is covered with green plants. Wreaths and bouquets are common, but only the color white (symbolizing death) is allowed.