Flowers and mourning: the different floral meanings

Each variety, color, and composition of flowers can have a very specific meaning. Indeed, there are various possible interpretations depending on whether the flowers are tulips or roses, yellow or red, in a bouquet or adorning a cushion. AdVitam decrypts for you the various meanings of flowers through this guide.

The meaning of flowers in France

Flowers provide support and comfort during difficult times that grieving families must go through. At the time of the funeral, there is no obligation regarding the choice of flowers; however, due to their meaning, certain flowers are more frequently chosen, such as the rose, a symbol of love; the lily, a symbol of purity and innocence but also of serenity; or the carnation, a symbol of mourning and discretion. Moreover, the lily is widespread in the Catholic religion, and its long-lasting nature is an added advantage.

Even though carnations, roses, and chrysanthemums remain suitable for a funeral, other varieties such as the arum, which represents the soul of the deceased, or the purple anemone for death, also convey your strongest messages.

In other countries, chrysanthemums can mean something entirely different. They are offered on Mother's Day and are a symbol of peace and love, for example, in Australia. In most Asian countries, only white chrysanthemums signify mourning.

As for the delivery location of the flowers, you can consult our guide on which flowers to offer at funerals.

The meaning of flower colors for a funeral

The color of the flowers has a particular meaning during a funeral.

Depending on the circumstances, the flowers can have different meanings.

• For children who left too soon, the family will be offered flowers in white shades, symbolizing purity and innocence.

• Husbands and wives will receive red colors, symbolizing passion.

• Friendships are expressed through yellow, white, and pink colors.

For commemorations, consider neutral or pastel colors. The floral arrangement will express more the respect you have for the memory of the victims and fighters than the colors of the flowers. You can find the list of all the annual french national commemorations here.

The different floral arrangements for a funeral

Similarly, different floral arrangements allow you to express your attachment to the deceased.

• The casket spray, which covers the coffin, or large-sized compositions in dark colors are generally chosen by the family.

• Friends and close relatives will opt for wreaths and cushions in pastel and white shades.

• Acquaintances, on the other hand, will generally choose a bouquet or a sheaf of flowers.

The flower bouquet

The flower bouquet is offered by both friends and relatives of the deceased. Customizable and with strong symbolism, the bouquet is suitable for many life events, with mourning being an opportunity to show compassion at multiple stages. Consider the practicality of the flower bouquet, which requires a vase to hold them. To avoid inconveniencing the close relatives, you might consider a flower basket. A basket filled with flowers and petals that the guests can take turns picking up and placing beside the deceased. This format is also timeless as it can be offered at any time during the mourning period (even after the funeral).

The flower wreath

Originally a symbol of heavenly election, the funeral wreath is the most common arrangement. It can be accompanied by a ribbon, and its preservation lasts longer than a simple bouquet. The funeral wreath takes its full meaning during a religious ceremony, so it is often delivered to places of worship.

The cushion

These usually come from acquaintances and embellish the original cushion in the coffin. It is possible to personalize your message by adapting the shape, for example, in the form of a heart.

The grave front

This tall composition, placed like a facade, enhances the monument with a sentimental touch. Larger formats can be placed, such as potted shrubs (cypress) accompanied by more imposing plants like lilies or snapdragons. Subsequently, families prefer to offer potted flowers due to the lack of tomb maintenance.

The sheaf of flowers

Offered by acquaintances of close relatives, symbolizing a simple and sincere friendship, it decorates a funeral place more elegantly. It is a composition of uncut flowers. More imposing than the bouquet, with controlled stem lengths, the sheaf is particularly suitable for the place of worship where the ceremony takes place or at the burial site, but not recommended for the homes of grieving relatives. It also exists in a more discreet format suitable for carrying by hand: the handheld sheaf; or presented in a way to stand upright during a religious ceremony, for example: the standing sheaf.

The casket spray

The casket spray rests on the coffin and can be embellished with a ribbon, with or without an inscription. The ribbon will reinforce the message which is generally expressed by close family members of the deceased. The casket spray is offered on the day of the funeral (as it is intended to be placed on the coffin) but also during significant occasions such as a commemoration or on All Saints' Day.