What Flowers to Give at a Funeral

Lilies are a common flower used in funerals and at Easter.

Flowers are given by relatives, friends and co-workers of the dead in remembrance of the person and to show their sympathy. There are several different types of flowers, from lilies to red roses that are either given to the bereaved or placed at the funeral home to offer sympathy or add warmth to the funeral's setting.

Lilies

Lilies are the most commonly used flowers in funerals throughout the United States. This flower was prominent in Greek mythology and now can be found growing in Northern Asia, Europe and North America. There are more than 80 different varieties of lilies, although the white lily, including the white stargazer lily, is used often in funerals because of it symbolizes purity, majesty and sympathy. All types of lilies symbolize innocence and the restoration of the soul.

Gladioli

Gladiolus symbolizes sincerity, morality and strength of character, according to the floral wire service FTD, or Florists' Transworld Delivery. The gladiolus, or sword lily, grows naturally in tropical Africa, South Africa, Asia and in the Mediterranean. There are more than 260 different varieties of gladiolus that come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, purple and white. This flower gains its name from the Latin word "gladius," which means sword.

Chrysanthemums

White chrysanthemums, or mums, are commonly used in funeral displays and symbolize grief, death and truth. The white varieties grow naturally across Asia and northeastern Europe, but they were first found and used in China during the 15th century as an herb for cooking.

Carnations

Carnations are available in several different colors, including red, pink and white, which are used in several funeral arrangements because of their symbolic meanings. Red carnations stand for admiration, white for innocence and purity of love and pink for remembrance.

Choosing an Arrangement

The type of arrangements used in the funeral is dependent upon the family's budget, taste and the setting of the funeral. For instance, a casket spread, which is laid across the casket, is generally used during a viewing or wake. When choosing a funeral arrangement for a family, remember the family's tastes and inquire if there will be flowers at the funeral. If there will be no flowers, it is more appropriate to send a modest floral arrangement or plant to the family directly, unless the family has requested a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers.

References

• FTD: Meaning of Sympathy Flowers
• Funeral Planning: Funeral Flowers