In the present day, asphodel is often used at funerals or on the anniversary of a loss in order to wish peace for the deceased in the afterlife. Some ancient cultures believed that spirits lived amongst a field of asphodel and so would plant the flower beside tombs and gravestones.
Spider Lily - Higanbana - flower of death, departure and afterlife - closely intertwined with the season of autumn.
One uniquely heavenly symbol is that of the downwardly inclined flowers of the daffodil, "Mary looking down to us from heaven." Other uniquely heavenly symbols are those such as corn flower, "Mary's Crown", and the bleeding heart, begonia (buds) and caladium (leaves), all symbolizing the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The use of lilies at funerals symbolizes the restored innocence of the soul at death. Lily of the valley: Return of happiness, purity, humility. Marigold: Grief or despair. Morning glory: Resurrection, mourning, youth, farewell, brevity of life, departure, mortality.
Flowers like chrysanthemums and white roses are commonly used in funeral arrangements to honor the deceased and represent the end of life.
Chrysanthemum. White and yellow chrysanthemums are widely used to say goodbye, particularly in Asia as the flower there symbolises immortality and happiness. In Europe, too, the chrysanthemum has beautiful symbolism, meaning 'golden lucky flower'. This symbolism is centuries old and started when the flower was named.
White flowers are commonly used in sympathy bouquets. Peace lilies, white carnations, white roses, and white daisies are often displayed in these bouquets. These flowers symbolize peace and serenity. They also celebrate the life of the one who passed and serve to honor their memory.
The Everlasting Flower (Helichrysum) represents eternal life and immortality. Its name comes from the Greek words for "sun" and "gold," reflecting its enduring nature and vibrant appearance.
To ensure the graves were left alone, people planted the poisonous red spider lilies over buried bodies to deter animals. Graves and death were soon associated with the red spider lily, earning it the name of 'death flower' and the even darker, 'corpse flower'.
The corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) is the largest unbranched inflorescence in the plant kingdom, boasts a powerful stink, and blooms for just 2-3 days once every two to three years. The bloom can grow up to 9 feet tall!
The rose, called the Flower of Heaven in Islam, symbolizes the Prophet Muhammad. The early Rose culture is associated with the early Arab conquests and the history of the caliphate (the rule of a Muslim ruler). In Islamic mythology and mysticism, the rose represents divine beauty.
Anemone (Lily of the Field) - anemone coronaria
True lilies were not native to Galilee and it is believed that Jesus was referring to a common field flower, whose beauty was adorned by God; 'even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. '
Today, the marigold continues to be featured prominently in all aspects of Day of the Dead rituals. Marigolds are used in the construction of the floral arches, garlands, wreaths, crucifixes, and five-point stars that accompany ofrendas in many regions and in the decoration of gravesites and home altars.
A symbol of support and encouragement and a symbol of death and mourning, the chrysanthemum is well suited for funerals.
In Greek mythology, the asphodel flowers were associated with the underworld, death, and mourning. Asphodel plants are hardy herbaceous perennials with narrow grasslike leaves and an elongated stem bearing a handsome spike of white, pink, or yellow flowers with six petals.
Their deep color represents passion, intensity, and depth, which is why they are often used to symbolize strength and resilience. Also, In some Western cultures, black roses symbolize strength, embodying a love that triumphs over the inevitability of death, leading to their popularity.
Life everlasting (Gnaphalium obtusifolium) grows throughout the Carolinas. It's sometimes called sweet everlasting, or even “light molasses” by those whose forebears misapprehended the name.
In Hindu mythology, the Tree of Life is considered eternal and representative of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). Its roots represent the divine connection to the earth and the ancestors, while its branches reach towards the heavens, symbolizing spiritual growth and liberation (moksha).
The Passion Flower with its various parts is seen as a symbols of Jesus' scourging, crowning with thorns and crucifixion.
Marigolds. Often called “flowers of the dead,” cempasúchil, or flor de muerto, these bright orange and yellow flowers' fragrance is said to attract souls to the altar. Their bright and cheery color also celebrate life instead of feeling bitter about death.
Cards and flowers are classic choices for sympathy gifts. A thoughtful card will show the family how much you care and appreciate them and are there to support them during this difficult time. Flowers can brighten up their home but also serve as a symbol of loss and love.
1. Lilies – These flowers are a traditional choice for funerals, especially white ones because they represent rejuvenation of the soul and rebirth. 2. Carnations – Another common choice for expressing sympathy.