The placement of flowers around a grave is humankind’s oldest tribute to memorialize the dead. This ancient activity was first uncovered back in 20th century archeological excavations in the holy lands of the Middle East, when several burial sites were discovered near Shandiar Cave in Iraq. The scientist took studies of the soil and sampled for pollen and were able to identify flower fragments from several different kinds of wild flowers. The scientists were able to determine that the burials took place some 62,000 years ago, making them the oldest known funeral site at the time of discovery.

Flowers are used to symbolize all aspects of the life cycle, from birth through death. Just as flowers grow and expand, so to do humans, growing fragile-ly from birth, unfolding at peak and then curling quietly into death. Flowers are used to show that creation is temporary, and as the flower is separated from the stem, so too is human life.

Some experts tell us that flowers have a value in the face of death that allows us to balance out emotional response to the perception of death as ugly. Flowers help to soften the reality of death for the survivors.

The colors of flowers have certain symbolism, some of it religious in thought. For instance, purple is the color of penitence and royalty, white is the color of joyous celebration, shining light and innocence, while green symbolizes nature and newness and birth.

In present times, flowers are sent to funerals for a variety of reasons, tradition being the first reason. They are a means of expressing difficult feelings, those feelings hard to put into words. Flowers are also a visual expression of sympathy, love and respect. They represent community support for the grieving family. Flowers make a sad setting warm and beautiful, adding dignity to the memorial service.

Studies have shown that among people who have attended services without flowers always state afterward that something was missing. There is a feeling that the service was not complete or that it was depressing instead of uplifting. Flowers signify transitory life, but also eternity and immortality of humankind. But it is important to understand that flowers are for the dead as well as for the living, to honor and remember them.

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