What Is a Traditional Funeral Flower?

A funeral wreath can include carnations.

Traditional funeral flowers such as carnations, lilies and gladioli add special meaning to expressions of sympathy for a loved one's death.
These flowers can highlight a variety of arrangements.

Types

Roses, carnations, lilies, chrysanthemums and gladioli are some of the most commonly used flowers for funeral arrangements.

Significance

You can choose a traditional flower based on its color. Red roses can stand for love or bravery, while gladioli stalks symbolize character and integrity. White lilies, roses and carnations suggest purity and innocence.

Cultural Traditions

In Japan, Korea and some European nations, white mums represent grief and death, making them appropriate for funerals. Americans associate white mums with truth and honesty.

Considerations

You can arrange funeral flowers in several traditional ways, including a standing wreath, easel spray, pillow or casket blanket.

Non-traditional Flowers

Non-traditional flowers can show your special connection to the deceased or function as a symbol of her life. Add nasturtiums, which symbolize patriotism, to a soldier or veteran's funeral arrangement. Forget-me-nots can represent good memories of a friend.

References

• FTD.com: Meaning of Sympathy Flowers

Resources

• Funeralplanning101.com: Funeral Flowers