Lilies are the go-to flower for funerals, as they have strong ties to views about the afterlife and the soul. Around the world, lilies signify purity and the radiance. When you bring lilies to a funeral, you suggest that the deceased's soul has been restored to a state of innocence.
What flower means eternal life? Lilies represent a variety of meanings such as sympathy, rebirth, and celebration. The oriental lilies are star-shaped colored flowers that represent eternal life.
Chrysanthemums. Mums are frequently included in arrangements for funeral services. In some European countries, such as France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Hungary and Croatia, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are only used for funerals or on graves.
In many cultures, the lotus flower is used in religious ceremonies to represent the cycle of life and death. Furthermore, its transformation from a seed to a fully-formed flower represents the journey of the soul through death and rebirth.
The iris's mythology dates back to Ancient Greece, when the goddess Iris, who personified the rainbow (the Greek word for iris), acted as the link between heaven and earth.
Marigolds. Often called “flowers of the dead,” cempasúchil, or flor de muerto, these bright orange and yellow flowers' fragrance is said to attract souls to the altar.
Lilies suggest that the soul of the deceased has returned to a peaceful state of innocence. Tip: Christians think this flower symbolizes purity, virginity, and the radiance of the soul.
White flowers are the most commonly present at funerals. This traditional color choice represents honor, peace, and innocence. Pink is considered a respectful color choice, used to express gentleness and sympathy. Red flowers symbolize love, as well as beauty and strength.
Each color rose also gives a different meaning, such as a red rose could mean love, a yellow rose means friendship, and a black rose means death.
Calla Lily The long lasting, resilient flower is known for its ability to represent life – that's both long life and rebirth. Destined for long-term beauty, the white-petaled calla has long been used as a symbol of everlasting life and revival.
Soulflower is an acknowledgement that we all move through life in ever-changing states of judgement and struggle that cause us to forget who we are and it is an understanding that this is a necessary part of our human journey. It is how we learn.
Did you know that Helichrysum is referred to as the 'Immortelle' or 'Everlasting Flower' because it does not wither after it has been picked from the plant? Isn't that so cool? This incredible flower comes from the daisy family.
The poppy is the enduring symbol of remembrance of the First World War. It is strongly linked with Armistice Day (11 November), but the poppy's origin as a popular symbol of remembrance lies in the landscapes of the First World War.
As a result, this has led the lotus to have associations as the flower with rebirth and spiritual enlightenment. With its daily process of life, death, and reemergence, it's no wonder that the lotus holds such symbolism.
The Flower Of Life - A Sacred Symbol
Some believe that it represents the unity of all life and the interconnectedness of all beings. Others see it as a symbol of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth and that it's symbolic of the union of the sacred masculine and the divine feminine.
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.
This rose color meaning can be interpreted in several ways. While the color black has been used to signify death and mourning, making them a common choice for funerals, black roses can have a more positive meaning as well.
The association of the colour black with death and loss is centuries old and is believed to have originated during Roman times.
The human skull is an obvious and frequent symbol of death, found in many cultures and religious traditions.
Indigenous to central Mexico, the dahlia is having a resurgence in popularity due to its variety in color, shape, and size. To the Victorians, dahlias meant forever thine and displayed a symbol of commitment and an everlasting bond.
For this reason, white lilies are often used at occasions marking the end of our earthly existence. Their pure sense of serenity makes lilies – especially white ones that are also symbolic of peace – the flowers of choice for funerals.
About the Corpse Flower
Found within the dense rainforests of Sumatra, Amorphophallus titanum earn the nickname of corpse flower by mimicking an odor of rotten meat to attract pollinators such as carrion beetles and flies. To increase its chances of pollination, the large spadix self-generates heat (thermogenesis).
Amorphophallus titanum is often called corpse flower because when it blooms, it emits a powerful stench similar to that of rotting meat. This scent, along with the deep-red, meaty color of the open spathe, attracts insect pollinators that feed on dead animals.
Natural roses that are called “black” are actually a very dark red or purple color. True black roses can only be obtained through dyeing. Black roses symbolize death, rebirth, and goodbye.