While it is common for people to choose funeral flower arrangements based only on how it appeals to the eye, you may want to take a more meaningful approach to choosing flowers. Funeral flowers play a bigger role than just to “look pretty”. They express your sentiments and symbolize emotions, memories and even the character of the departed.
Some of the most common flowers that are used in funeral arrangements include roses, carnations, lilies, chrysanthemums, orchids and daisies. Each bloom symbolizes a specific emotion:
rose = love
carnation = pride and beauty
lily = life
calla lily = beauty
chrysanthemum = fidelity
orchid = love, beauty (especially when referring to women), refinement
daisy = innocence, loyal love and purity
In addition to the type of flower, its colour also symbolizes an emotion or state. Years ago, red and white were the most requested colours for funeral flowers. However today, this is certainly not the case. Any colour can be suitably selected as long as one considers what they represent.
These definitions are generally accepted as based on Western beliefs. Because Canada is a country made of people from so many cultures, ethnicities, religions and beliefs, you may want to include an explanation of what you wish to express with the funeral flowers you’ve chosen – simply write it in the note or card that comes with the arrangement. That way, you’ll avoid any confusion or misunderstanding that could arise from a difference in perspective.
