The color black is a symbol of mourning in many cultures. People often wear a black dress or other black clothing when attending a funeral service. Some cultures have people wear black clothing for a certain designated amount of time after a death to show their respect. Funeral flowers are a common symbol of grief.
Urn: Greek symbol of mourning, the body as a vessel of the soul, originating as a repository for the ashes of the dead in ancient times – a popular symbol of mourning. Most represent an ossuary.
Common death symbols come in three major categories: animals (such as ravens and black cats), plants (like hyacinths and lilies), and objects/phenomena (such as a flag at half-mast).
Black. Donning dark colors for mourning has been strongly associated with death and loss for centuries in the west and is a practice believed to date back to the Roman times. In the early 1900s, black jewelry made from polished stone, jet, was particularly popular in the form of mourning brooches and mourning rings.
In Germany, ravens are damned souls. One of America's favorite authors, Edgar Allan Poe, used the raven to tell the story of a heartsick young man mourning the loss of a loved one named Lenore. "The Raven" has been a part of the American literary canon for decades and is part of our cultural literacy.
Dark crimson roses denote grief and sorrow. Yellow roses are given by friends of the deceased to symbolize their strong ties. When you include a single rose in a bouquet it expresses enduring love for the deceased.
A blue butterfly may be the perfect spiritual message. It's considered a message from your loved one since you're no doubt feeling blue and sad in your grief and longing. A blue butterfly is a symbol of life and acceptance. It conveys the transformation from physical to spiritual.
Flower colours at a funeral
Red is also a very vibrant colour that can add some brightness to a funeral. Blue flowers represent condolences, sadness, and mourning. Blue can also express peace, hope, and well wishes. Pink flowers signify compassion, sympathy, and innocence.
If you know someone who lost a significant person in their life, we recommend sending red flowers to show your love. White is the most common type of sympathy flower color as it signifies new beginnings and remembrance.
Purple is also used when we need to make healing transitions or transformations. When one is transitioning from one phase of life to another, from one job to another, going through their own transition from this life to another form, or experiencing the transition of a loved one, we can call in purple for support.
Crow and Hemlock tree are the symbols of sadness and depression. Crow is considered ugliest among all birds and is a symbol of ill - omen. While hemlock is a poisonous tree with white flowers.
Heartbeat. A heartbeat is a symbol of life, but it can also be a symbol of loss. When combined with a loved one's name or another important symbol, this EKG visual is a reminder that life is fleeting but powerful.
You might have seen rainstorm images, ravens, and skull or grim reaper symbols. Barren landscapes and faces of cliffs are popular, too. All of these are commonly associated with depression because they capture the essence of the darkness, despair, struggle, and thoughts of death that are hallmarks of major depression.
The rose is perhaps the most well-known flower associated with death, and lilies are also commonly used in funeral arrangements. In many cultures, chrysanthemums represent grief and sorrow, and carnations are often given to mourners at funerals. Red poppies are also associated with death, as are marigolds.
Hyacinth. The purple hyacinth specifically, represents sorrow, regret and forgiveness. It can symbolize regretfulness at things not said or troubling issues unresolved.
Purple, a color traditionally tied to notions of royalty and dignity, is less frequently seen but still bears significant meaning in funeral flower arrangements. Purple flowers, like lavender or violets, often stand as a symbol of admiration and honor for a life that was well-lived.
The chrysanthemum, or mum, makes a wonderful choice when mourning with a family that has ties to Europe or Asia. China, Korea and Japan use white chrysanthemums to symbolize grief. When mourning someone who displayed strength and character in life, the gladioli is an excellent choice to send to the family.
The lotus flower is a symbol in Eastern traditions. It represents humans suffering, overcoming life's challenges, and personal growth to a place of spiritual enlightenment, rebirth, or self-regeneration.
The Symbolic Meaning of Forget Me Not Flowers
While traditionally this flower represents remembrance, they also carry several other meanings including true love, devotion, and royalty and are also associated with Alzheimer's and Alaska.
Butterflies are often associated with rebirth and new beginnings. They can be seen as a symbol of hope and resilience, which can be very comforting for those who are grieving. Your Loved One's Initials. Another popular choice for memorial tattoos are the initials of your loved one.
The ancient Greeks thought butterflies were an earthly representation of the soul, but butterfly tattoos have so many meanings: metamorphosis, renewal and flight or freedom which would be such a beautiful way to remember someone you love.
A black butterfly is regarded as a symbol of renewal and change. It is seen as a representation of courage, tenacity, and hope in the face of adversity. The black butterfly is symbolic of a person who has died away in various parts of South America, and its appearance is taken as a sign that they are watching.
Orchids. Orchids have come to symbolize eternal love, and are an important part of sharing sympathies after the death of a loved one. Florists typically recommend orchids for those who are hoping to send a floral arrangement as a means of offering condolences.
Alchemilla Mollis (Lady's Mantle) These are given to show comforting love, at a time when you want to let someone know you are there for them.