The Meaning Behind 5 Different Types of Funeral Flowers
July 22, 2017
When you are choosing flowers for your loved one’s funeral, you may want to consider the traditional meanings behind different types of funeral flowers. The arrangement you pick should reflect your relationship with the deceased as well as cultural and possible religious significance.
The Meaning Behind 5 Different Funeral Flowers
- Lilies – The lily is often a go-to flower for funerals. Lilies are highly aromatic, and their full, majestic blooms traditionally represent the soul of the deceased returning to a state of peace. Further, many Christian denominations associate the Calla Lily with innocence, rebirth, and the Virgin Mary.
- Roses – Roses are also a very common flower found at funerals. A traditional symbol of love, roses are decadent and delicate and are often given for a number of reasons throughout a person’s life. If you choose to arrange roses at a funeral, you should be aware of the significance behind commonly chosen colors.
- Classic red roses symbolize a deep love and acute grief
- White roses are a representation of purity and spirituality
- Yellow roses are often given by close friends and represent a bond of friendship with the deceased
- Chrysanthemums – Chrysanthemums, or “mums,” are unique in that their significance varies widely among different cultures. In the United States and throughout much of Europe, mums represent sympathy, respect, and honor, which is why they are popular flowers for funerals in these regions. However, in many Asian cultures, chrysanthemums symbolize birth or new life and are much more popular at baby showers than funerals.
- Carnations – Carnations are very commonly used in floral wreaths and standing sprays (standing sprays are elegant arrangements of flowers that appear to “spray” out from a standing easel). Like other flowers, each color has its own meaning. A red carnation is a symbol of admiration while a pink carnation represents remembrance. White carnations typically stand for purity, virtue and innocence. The Carnation is an ancient flower, and many Christians believe that carnations bloomed from the tears Mary shed as she watched Jesus carry the cross.
- Gladioli – Gladioli are gorgeous flowers that can measure up to 4 feet tall. They are sometimes called the “sword lily” because they are composed of multiple flowers growing upward along the stem. They are a classic and traditional choice for funerals and are often used to convey the strength of character and moral integrity of the deceased.
Planning ahead isn’t always something we naturally gravitate toward—especially when it comes to end-of-life decisions. It’s easy to put off, to say “someday,” or to assume there will always be more time. But preplanning your funeral or cremation arrangements is one of the most thoughtful and meaningful gifts you can leave behind for the people you love. What Is Preplanning? Preplanning is simply the process of making your final wishes known ahead of time. This can include decisions about burial or cremation, the type of service you’d like, music, readings, and even the small personal touches that reflect your life. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, even a simple plan written down can provide clarity and comfort when it’s needed most. Why More Families Are Choosing to Plan Ahead 1. It Relieves Emotional Burden When a loved one passes, families are often faced with dozens of decisions in a very short time, many of them while navigating deep grief. By preplanning, you remove that weight. Your family won’t have to wonder what you would have wanted, they’ll already know. 2. It Protects Your Family Financially Funeral costs can add up quickly depending on services selected. Preplanning gives you the opportunity to guarantee certain services and merchandise, avoid future inflation, and prevent overspending during emotional decision-making. 3. It Ensures Your Wishes Are Honored Every life is unique and every service should reflect that. When you plan ahead, you can choose burial or cremation, select meaningful music or readings, and include personal touches that tell your story. 4. It Gives You Time and Control Planning in advance allows you to make decisions thoughtfully and without pressure. There’s no urgency. No rushed decisions. Just clarity and confidence. 5. It Brings Peace of Mind Knowing everything is taken care of allows you to focus on what matters most: living fully and spending time with loved ones. Preplanning Doesn’t Have to Mean Prepaying You have options: document your wishes, set aside funds gradually, or explore pre-need plans or insurance options. Families are guided through these choices with no pressure—just support and information. A Simple Step Today Can Make All the Difference Tomorrow Preplanning is about easing the path for those you love. It gives them space to grieve, remember, and heal—without added stress. Ready to Learn More? Click here to get started. Whether you’re ready to start a plan or simply have questions, speaking with a preplanning specialist can help you explore your options in a comfortable, no-pressure setting. Because the greatest gift you can leave behind isn’t just memories—it’s peace of mind.
Finding Hope and Healing This Spring | Discover ways to cope with grief, honor loved ones, and find support this season. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory serves families in Lynchburg, Bedford, Madison Heights, Moneta and Roanoke.
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