There are many difficult situations in life where flowers for mourning would show how much you care. There are times we can’t do much to help the people that we care about. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, a breakup, or losing one’s job, we often feel that words aren’t enough. A great way to make our friends feel our love and support when they are going through difficult times is by sending them a bouquet of mourning flowers.
With so many different options available on the market, choosing the perfect flowers for a grieving friend is not an easy task. Keep reading to find out what some of the best mourning flowers are and what each of them symbolizes. Throughout this article, we will look at some traditional mourning flowers and a few modern ones. We will help you make the right choice.
A Guide to Flowers for Mourning
White Lilies
The lily symbolises innocence and purity. It has been for thousands of years. Thanks to its beauty, elegance, and pleasant smell, the lily has always had a special place in rituals all around the world. In Greek mythology, the lily was the flower of Hera. According to the legend the lily flower was created from the milk of her breast. In ancient Rome, the lily was associated with Venus, the Goodes of beauty. Who grew jealous of the perfect flower and caused a pistil to grow from its centre.
The lily flower was an important symbol for both pagans and Christians, as many ancient texts mention it. Virgin Mary was offered a white lily by Archangel Gabriel when she was told that she will conceive a son. She can be seen holding the elegant flower in many religious works of art. The Easter lily symbolizes rebirth as it ‘resurrects’ every spring. The rich history of the lily, its undeniable beauty and its fragrance are all factors make the lily so popular. As well as its association with funerals and other important rituals.
If you are looking for a traditional and elegant bouquet, white lilies are a perfect option. If you are looking for a more unique bouquet, you can opt for the Fondest Memories Vase. A mix of Oriental Lilies, Viburnum, Roses, Gypsophila, and Carnations. Perhaps the Sweetest Sendoff Wreath, a mix of Dusty Miller, Carnations, LA Lilies, Gysophyla, Viburnum, and Sweet William. Alternatively the So Becoming arrangement. Which is a mix of Oriental Lilies, Magnolia foliage, Lisianthus, Monstera leaves, Gymea Leaf, Trop Tops, and Twisted Willow.
Calla Lilies
The calla is not technically a lily, as its scientific name is Zantedeschia and it is closely related to other ornamental flowers such as philodendron and caladium. However, the Calla Lily is a very elegant and classic mourning flower with rich symbolism. The word ‘calla’ means ‘beauty’ in Greek and this flower appears in many religious images that depict the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In many cultures, calla lilies are symbols of resurrection and rebirth. Therefore offering this flower to someone who is suffering can give them hope. Before you choose the perfect bouquet, it might help to know that calla lilies come in many different colours and each colour sends a different message.
White calla lilies symbolize faith, holiness, innocence, and purity and they make perfect mourning flowers, but pink calla lilies can also be a good choice as they symbolize appreciation and admiration. Undeniably unique, the calla lily consists of a single large petal that wraps up and creates a beautiful bloom. Calla lilies are a nice alternative to other popular flowers and they will surely be a pleasant surprise for anyone who receives them. You can offer a simple calla lily bouquet, but you can also opt for a complex arrangement as these flowers pair well with roses, hydrangeas, and peonies, but also with greenery such as ivy or gum.
Roses
Perfect for every occasion, the rose is probably the most loved flower in the world. With many different varieties to choose from. We will explain the the rich symbolism associated with this elegant flower. So, before we look at the best types of roses for mourning bouquets, let’s see what each colour symbolizes.
Red Roses
The red rose symbolises love and romance. But that is not all. The red rose can also symbolize strength and courage. So in the right combination, the red rose can be a great mourning flower. A great example is the Deepest Sympathy Wreath. Which is an elegant mix of elegant red roses, luxurious Oriental lilies, and chrysanthemums.
Orange Roses
Usually associated with sensuality, desire, and fascination, orange roses can also symbolize energy, enthusiasm, and motivation. This colour is lively and joyful, so it might not be a great option for someone who is grieving. But it might be a good choice for someone who is going through a lot of changes and needs some encouragement, support, and good vibes. We use orange roses in combination with chrysanthemums, mini gerberas, disbuds, camellias, and sweet William in our Happy Memories Wreath and From the Heart Wreath.
Yellow Roses
Symbolizing friendship and support, the yellow rose is a great way to bring joy and cheer. Yellow roses can also symbolize spirituality. Although they are not a traditional choice. These sunny flowers used in combination with other elegant flowers can create a great mourning bouquet. We use yellow roses in combination with freesias, chrysanthemums, orchids, and viburnum for our elegant Remembrance Wreath. We also use them in combination with irises, gerberas, lilies, and sweet William in our cheerful Vibrance Wreath.
Pink Roses
A statement of elegance, refinement, and femininity, pink roses symbolize appreciation and gratitude. They can convey a message of gratefulness and make perfect gifts on a wide range of occasions. We love to add pink roses to our bouquets and arrangements as they are versatile and timeless. If you are looking for a unique combination of flowers for someone who just lost a loved one, we recommend the Open Heart Sympathy Wreath and the Peaceful Journey bouquet.
White Roses
Timeless and elegant, white roses are popular mourning flowers as they symbolize remembrance and admiration and deep respect for the person who passed. As well as for the person that is going through a difficult time. Although flowers tend to symbolize various things, the white rose remains a very popular funeral flower worldwide. White roses symbolize purity, so they are perfect for many different occasions. Whether you opt for a classic and elegant bouquet of white roses or a mix of white roses, gerberas, and other flowers. You will surely send the right message.
These are the most common types of roses. But thanks to the amazing creativity and innovation of florists around the world, we can now enjoy lesser-known colours. such as peach, lavender, green, blue, rainbow roses, and even black. Each used to convey different messages. For instance, green roses symbolize rejuvenation and nature. Blue ones can symbolize true love and appreciation. Lavender ones are delicate and versatile and can be statements of love. It is up to you to choose the colours that would suit the situation best. In doing so, it is wise to think of the person who is receiving the flowers. Or the life celebrated and remembered.
Carnations
Carnations have been around for a long time and they’ve been associated with many different things over the years. Painters have been fascinated with carnations during the Renaissance. So we can admire these flowers in many works of art. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the carnation was considered an engagement flower as it represented devotion. Red carnations can play a similar role to red roses as they symbolize eternal love.
Whether it’s romantic love, friendship love, or family love, the humble carnation can send the right message. Pink carnations mean gratitude and are a great way to show your appreciation and to say thank you. White carnations symbolize purity and good luck, so they make perfect mourning flowers for people who need a little bit of extra luck in their lives.
With such strong and diverse symbolism, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that carnations make our list of mourning flowers. Perfect for many different occasions. Carnations have different shapes and colours. Carnations can create unique floral arrangements. Our Forget Me Not flower arrangement is a perfect example of a memorable bouquet that consists of carnations, tulips, roses, lilies, peonies, and gum.
Chrysanthemums
With a rich history and strong symbolism, Chrysanthemums are popular mourning flowers worldwide. These fall bloomers can hold various meanings depending on cultures and colours. So let’s take a look at some of their most notable meanings. In Victorian times, Chrysanthemums symbolised good wishes and friendship.
Chrysanthemums have powerful Yang energy in Buddhist culture,. Admired in temples, Chrysanthemums have a deep cultural significance. Chrysanthemums are given in flower offerings. It represents the truth and the impermanence of things. Offered traditionally to elderly people in China. Chrysanthemums symbolize long life and good luck.
Additionally in Australia, Chrysanthemums are often referred to as simply ‘mums’ and they are the official flowers offered on Mother’s Day. In Europe, in countries such as Austria and Belgium, Chrysanthemums are often used as memorial flowers. Used to cherish and honour loved ones that pass away.
With their attractive blooms that come in so many different colours. Mums are perfect mourning flowers and just like roses, each colour sends a different message. All types of Chrysanthemums have great aesthetic value. Lastly, they can create unique flower arrangements and bouquets.
Gerberas
Related to the daisy family, Gerberas are popular around the world. This is because they last in a vase for a long time. They grow natively in Asia, Africa, and South America, and they come in many different colours including red, pink, orange, white, and yellow. They are popular in florist shops worldwide thanks to their decorative features and large blooms. The gerbera is the fifth most popular commercial flower, so you’ve surely seen it everywhere.
The Gerbera flower also has a rich history – for Egyptians, this oversize daisy symbolized devotion to the sun, while Celtic people considered it a flower that could bring joy and reduce sorrows. Gerbera symbolises Freya in Norse mythology. Freya is the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty. In many cultures, gerbera flowers symbolize hope, warmth, joy, and brightness.
Gerbera daisies spread over the earth when a child passed away, according to an old Celtic legend,. This might explain why Gerberas are popular mourning flowers nowadays. The bright, radiant colours of Gerbera daisies are meant to cheer up broken hearts and bring hope, so in many cultures, these flowers are offered to sick people to cheer them up. If you love gerberas as much as we do and wish to offer them to a loved one, you can opt for one of our beautiful gerbera bouquets.
Tulips
Beloved worldwide, the tulip was first cultivated in Turkey, thousands of years ago (around 1000AD), so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this beautiful bloom has a rich and interesting history. In Persia and Turkey, the tulip played a significant role in local cultures and art. The tulip is associated with the love story of Farhad and Shirin and it symbolizes ‘perfect love’. There are many different variations of this folktale, but the general idea is that prince Farhad fell in love with Shirin, a very beautiful woman. Their love story ends tragically when Shirin dies and her death brought Farhad to desperation. He died as well, by riding his horse off a cliff. According to legend, red tulips grew where his blood touched the ground.
In Victorian times, the tulip symbolized kindness, collaboration, and charity. And, like all colourful flowers, there is different symbolism associated with each colour. Therefore, red tulips are often associated with love, purple ones with royalty, pink and yellow tulips symbolize happiness and joy, and white tulips represent forgiveness and purity. Thanks to their rich symbolism and delicate blooms, tulips make perfect mourning flowers and we offer a wide range of tulip bouquets and arrangements.
In Conclusion
Sending mourning flowers is a great way to show your loved ones that you care and that you are there for them. When choosing the perfect mourning flowers, it’s best to take into consideration the personal preferences of the receiver, the message that you want to convey, and the general situation. You can choose one of our carefully designed bouquets or you can create a customized flower bouquet and choose what types of flowers will be included, the colours, and the presentation. If you need help choosing the perfect mourning flowers, do not hesitate to contact our florists.
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