What funeral flowers mean.
Funeral flowers carry deep symbolic meanings that vary across cultures and traditions. Each type of flower can convey a specific emotion, sentiment, or message of remembrance. Here is a list of commonly used funeral flowers and their traditional symbolism:
đš Roses
- Red: Love, respect, and grief.
- White: Purity, innocence, reverence, and youth.
- Pink: Grace, admiration, and appreciation.
- Yellow: Strong ties of friendship (less common for funerals).
- Dark crimson: Mourning and sorrow.
âī¸ Lilies
- White lilies: Purity, the restored innocence of the soul of the deceased.
- Stargazer lilies: Sympathy and eternal life.
- Lilies are especially associated with Christian funeral services, symbolising resurrection and renewal.
đŧ Chrysanthemums
- Europe (especially France, Italy, etc.): Solemn death and mourning; only used for funerals.
- Asia (China, Japan, Korea): Grief, lamentation, and sometimes nobility.
- USA: Truth and honour; also used to express sympathy.
đģ Carnations
- Red: Admiration.
- White: Innocence and pure love.
- Pink: Remembrance and the belief that they were created from the Virgin Mary's tears (Catholic tradition).
đģ Sunflowers
- Loyalty, adoration, and a celebration of a life well-lived. Less traditional but increasingly popular to honour vibrant personalities.
đ¸ Orchids
- Pink and white: Eternal love and sympathy.
- Orchids symbolise delicate beauty, strength, and enduring love, especially in tropical or Asian cultures.
đē Gladioli
- Strength of character, moral integrity, and remembrance.
- These tall flowers convey dignity and resilience.
đˇ Tulips
- Renewal and love.
- Red tulips: Deep love.
- Yellow tulips: Cheerful thoughts.
- White tulips: Forgiveness.
đ Hydrangeas
- Heartfelt emotions and gratitude.
- Often used in sympathy arrangements to convey deep understanding and empathy.
đĒģ Hyacinths
- Deep sorrow and pain.
- Purple hyacinths, in particular, express regret and sorrow in funeral arrangements.