Funeral Flowers Etiquette, Manners and Customs that You Should Know
Funeral flowers, also called sympathy flowers, have been part of American history for two hundred years. Originally used to mask the unpleasant odors of death, funeral flowers have made their way irrevocably into the traditions of the lives (and deaths) of Americans. In fact, this tradition is practiced in almost all countries all over the world. Whenever a person passes away and leaves his or her family behind, a grieving period is usually spent before the dead is interred. Friends and relatives show their support to the family of the “dearly departed” through various ways, one of which is by sending funeral flowers. While most people think that this is a very simple thing to do, it actually involves something deeper than the beautiful arrangement of assorted blossoms and its corresponding cost.Depending on the religion and culture of the family or close relatives of the deceased, there are proper manners, customs and etiquettethat should be followed in showing one’s sympathy through funeral flowers. In most cases, they are welcome and appropriate; in others, they are not. So before sending a basket of Chrysanthemums and Carnations to the funeral home, take time to know the religion and culture of the family of the deceased to avoid sending the wrong message.
A few examples of religions and their corresponding traditions or beliefs regarding funeral flowers are as follows:
- Christianity – For Catholics and other Christians, funeral flowers are most often appreciated and received either at the funeral home or church. There are various types of funeral flowers arrangements that Catholics usually send their grieving friends or loved ones. Each arrangement has a corresponding practice for who is the most appropriate to be sending that type of flower (i.e. casket sprays cover types are purchased by family members only, while standing spray types can be sent by anyone who knew the person who died).
- Buddhism – For Buddhists, the same practices are usually observed with regards to the relevance of funeral flowers during wakes. However, details on who gives what type of flower are not as particularized as with Christian beliefs.
- Islam – Muslims have varying viewpoints regarding the suitability of giving and using funeral flowers. Some believe that it is against the Islamic principle of living in simplicity, while others consider it okay.
- Judaism – Jews also have different customs during wakes. As an alternative to funeral flowers which they do not typically use (especially for Orthodox Jews), friends and relatives send baskets of fruits and other types of food to the funeral home. While sending flowers to the bereaved after the burial is gradually becoming more observed today, conformists stick to traditionalist ideas concerning flowers, grieving periods and wakes.
Other than the above mentioned religions and practices, there are many more and different beliefs regarding funeral flowers ideas and how they should be sent or chosen. Subsequently, it is always wise to know first whether the family or relatives of the deceased have beliefs that dictate funeral flowers and how they should be given. After all, proper etiquette and manners depend on norms and tradition.
