Floral Arrangements: Sympathy And Funeral Flowers

Funeral floral arrangements are a meaningful way to express sympathy and condolences to a loved one during a time of grief. Honoring the passing of life differs from religions, customs, and circumstances. Whether to commemorate the recently deceased, to send a message of hope, or to stand in one's absence in the funeral ceremonies, sympathy floral arrangements can speak to the grieving in a way words cannot.

There are numerous funeral floral arrangements. Because expressions differ across cultures and customs choosing the appropriate floral arrangement is important. Funeral floral arrangement wreaths usually form a circular design symbolizing eternal life and sit on an easel display during the service. Rosemary flowers are often included in funeral wreaths as a sign of remembrance. Specialty designs, such as a cross or heart, are also displayed on easels and can convey the deceased's religious devotion or warm and loving qualities. Funeral flower casket sprays are usually selected by the family. Full length casket sprays generally sit over a closed casket lid, while half-length sizes cover the bottom half of the casket during an open casket ceremony.

Sympathy floral arrangements can vary in size and depend on the delivery location. Larger floral arrangements such as funeral flower sprays are used to create effective tributes during memorial or funeral services. Popular larger blooms included in larger floral arrangements are gladioli, snapdragons, lilies, chrysanthemums, carnations, and roses. Smaller floral arrangements can be sent to the family's home and can include smaller flowers like alstroemerias, lilies, daises, and delphiniums, to name a few.

Specific customs warrant certain funeral floral arrangements. For instance, patriotic themed military funerals usually incorporate red, white and blue ribbon into the floral arrangements along with military symbols. Specialty cross and heart designed sympathy floral arrangements are appropriate for most Roman Catholic services. The Jewish culture traditionally doesn't incorporate flowers into its ceremony or grieving process, as flowers serve as a reminder of the life lost. Buddhist ceremonies integrate flowers, but rarely include red flowers, as white flowers are the symbol of mourning. If unfamiliar with the custom rituals, seek guidance from the family's religious leader, funeral home director, or a professional florist.

And if lost as to the most appropriate expression of sympathy, look to meaning. For example, irises and lilies are used in burials to symbolize resurrection and life. Adding a feminine touch to the ceremony, light pink roses stand for admiration and sympathy. Dating back to Roman times when primarily used in Roman gladiator burials, the gladioli blooms signifies strength and character. To depict a strong bond, consider alstroemerias to symbolize friendship or delphiniums to signify heavenly qualities. Also, remember white flowers such as daisies communicate reverence and deep respect.

Funeral floral arrangements can speak to comfort the bereaved, pay respects to the recently departed, and honor the life and impact of a loved one. Whatever blooms or funeral floral arrangements chosen, family and friends who are coping with loss will appreciate the gesture.


Sources:
Flower. Wikipedia. 4 May 2007. 4 May 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flowers
Funeral Flower Etiquette. Flower Shop Network. Feb. 2007. 6 May 2007. http://www.flowershopnetwork.com/pages/newsletter/ Funeral_Flower_Etiquette.php
"Language of Flowers." Wikipedia. 18 April 2007. 4 May 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_of_FlowersSympathy. AboutFlowers.com. 2003. Society of American Florists. 6 May 2007. http://www.aboutflowers.com/holidays_b4.html
Expressing Sympathy with Flowers. Teleflora. 2007. 6 May 2007. http://www.teleflora.com/sympathyguide.asp