Why Put Flower Petals on the Bed of Dead?

Flower petals on the bed of the deceased is an ancient ritual.

Flower petals are placed on the bed of the dead to honor the life of the deceased. The custom of funerary flowers is an ancient tradition passed down from the Egyptians.

Egyptian History

Egyptians adorned their dead with flowers and petals.

At The Oriental Institute of The University of Chicago, an Egyptian coffin shows a flower petal headress worn by high ranking women and floral necklaces that were pictograms of renewal. Egyptian funerary rituals used flowers and petals to create massive arrangements, floral staffs that symbolize fertility and floral headresses that symbolize a joyful afterlife.

Greco-Roman History

Greeks and Romans used flowers to express reverence for their dead.

In his turn of the 20th century "Dictionary of Phrase and Fable," Ebenezer Cobham Brewer states that, "The Greeks crowned the dead body with flowers, and placed flowers on the tomb also." Romans also covered their tombs and funeral couches with wreaths, flowers and petals to honor the dead.

Aztec Tradition

Marigold petals were instrumental in Aztec funeral rituals.

In the Aztec tradition, marigold petals were used on the deceased and on funeral altars to celebrate life and provide a means for the deceased to find their way back to this world. To the Aztecs, death was a cycle of life that was completed by returning to this life with the aid of flowers offered by the living.

Mexican Heritage

The Day of the Dead is a Mexican tradition that celebrates the dead.

In "Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead," Stanley H. Brandes denotes flower petal usage during The Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico by stating, "The two most common 'ofrenda' ingredients are candles and fresh flowers or flower petals. (See References 2)" Marigold petals are used in and scattered around altars decorated with food, candles and incense to guide the deceased back to their home. Since beds are considered the final resting place, they are also decorated with flower petals and highly revered.

Significance

The scent of flowers is a reminder of life's sweetness.

Flower petals on the bed of the dead reflect reverence for the deceased and are an intimate means of honoring their memory. The sweet scent of flowers reminds the living of the richness of this life, while paying homage to those who have died.

Context

The life of a flower or petal ends the moment it is picked, similar to the way life ends at death. Thus, the scattering of flower petals on the bed of the deceased is not only a ritual for honoring the dead, but a reminder of the shortness of life.

References

• Egyptian Coffin
• Greco-Roman Funerals
• Mexican Customs