Sending flowers after a loved one dies is a meaningful gesture to comfort those who grieve. The flowers provide a heartwarming tribute and will add some light to a sad time. Today’s funeral flower arrangements incorporate a wide variety of flowers and colors outside of what is considered traditional. From ancient times the language of flowers speaks to convey the feelings and emotions of those left behind.

Probably the most popular choice of flower for sympathy arrangements is the carnation. Carnations come in a wide variety of colors, with each color carrying a different meaning. For instance, red carnations evokes admiration, while white carnations stand for innocence. A pink carnation means remembrance.

The flower most commonly associated with funerals is the lily. Lilies are considered a symbol of the innocence that has been restored to the soul of the departed as it transitions. Different lilies mean different things. A white stargazer symbolizes sympathy while any other type of white lily expresses purity.

Chrysanthemums are used worldwide particularly as a symbol of death, grief and lamentation in Europe, Korea and Japan. White chrysanthemums are usually only seen during funerals for just this reason. Here in America, however, the white chrysanthemum means truth.

Gladioli characterize strength, character, sincerity and moral integrity. They come in many and varied brilliant colors and are often elegantly arranged in the floral sprays that sit beside the casket, usually on an easel or stand.

Roses are the most well known of flowers and are almost always incorporated in the funeral floral arrangements. A white rose evokes reverence, humility, innocence and youthfulness. Red roses denote respect, courage and love. A pink rose is the sign of grace, gentility and love.

Symbolizing eternity and immortality, the xeranthemum may not be considered a traditional choice to include but it is totally appropriate for sympathy flower arrangements. The same holds true for cyclamens, which mean “good-bye” and forget-me-nots, which carry their meaning in their name. A spray of marjoram brings comfort and consolation. Nasturtium celebrates patriotism and will work for veterans who have passed on.

But the best flowers of all regardless of what they have come to mean throughout the ages, are the flowers that were favored by the deceased. Arrangements in favorite flowers and or a monochromatic scheme filled vase with say all that need be said.

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