Funeral Flowers Arrangements for a Jewish Funeral

In every religion, there are corresponding beliefs and traditions that need to be followed.  When it comes to funeral etiquette and manners, Jewish customs are quite different from the others.  These customs include quite a distinctive view on funeral flowers arrangements.  Jews, as guided by their principles of simple living, do not agree to the use and display of pompous funeral flower arrangements.  Likewise, their tradition does not consent to the common practice of sending flowers to the bereaved because flowers naturally manifest a cheerful mood.  Jews prefer to mourn and grieve over the death of a loved one, and this is the basis for why funeral flowers are not part of their conventional ways.However, over the years, sending funeral flowers has become more and more acceptable to Jewish families.  More and more people are practicing this common habit of expressing grief, sympathy, compassion and acknowledgement to the family and the deceased through various funeral flower arrangements.  Some Jews have adapted this culture, while others, especially Orthodox Jews who prefer to mourn over the death of their loved one on their own, are still critical and conflicted on this matter.

Nonetheless, if sending funeral flowers to Jewish friends and families who approve of such a practice, there are some pointers that need to be remembered so as not to go beyond limitations and avoid sending any unwanted messages.

Since Jews believe that simplicity should be lived out until their deaths, funeral flower arrangements for a Jewish funeral should be minimalist and with the least adornment.  Reformed Jews accept funeral flowers as a symbol of gratitude, and respect those who are sending them in good faith.  But before sending them, always check on the family background so that you will not end up insulting them despite your good intentions.

Flower arrangements range from casket sprays, wreaths and inside pieces to bouquets, baskets and table arrangements.  While these are usually displayed at the funeral, most Jews who receive them opt to place them in a discreet area—so don’t get upset if the ones you send are not placed in front of the casket.  Any arrangement you choose should coincide with the usual beliefs on who can send that type of flower arrangement.  Colors that are acceptable in creating a modest and unassuming flower arrangement should be at most a combination of two soft hues, or as plain as a single shade with complementary leaves or stems.  Ribbons can be added with an emphasis on maintaining a low profile effect, so that the right of the family to grieve is still reserved.  Whilst there are many shapes available, only the most simple and basic are recommended when sending funeral flower arrangements to Jewish funerals.

Funeral flowers convey many messages depending on the types of funeral flowers used—so when sending them out to Jewish families, take note that Jews most often prefer grieving over their deceased rather than being cheered up by their friends and relatives.  This can be respected by choosing the correct flower and arrangement for such a purpose. But the ideas for funeral flowers are virtually limitless.