Giving flowers to a family member of the deceased or placing them around the casket is an ancient practice. While they were used to mask unpleasant odors earlier, today, they are more of an expression of thoughtfulness.
While all flowers are beautiful and unique in their own way, some flowers have become a symbol of compassion, sorrow, and remembrance. Here are 10 flowers that mean remembrance and symbolize empathy.
10 Flowers That Mean Remembrance
These 10 flowers that mean remembrance are perfect for any occasion.
1. Lilies
Lilies, especially white ones, are most commonly used in grieving settings like a wake, funerals, and memorials. Lilies represent purity, innocence, and sympathy, besides a solid commitment to their loved ones that they will always live in their memories.
They are given to departed families as a symbol of a new beginning and the many chapters of life that are to come ahead. It conveys to them that their loved ones will never be forgotten, even in this new chapter without them.
It may represent the idea of the departed soul receiving renewed innocence and, in some other beliefs, even rebirth.
2. Roses
Rose is the king of flowers. It is available in so many different shades and varieties that you can find one for any occasion. While roses are generally used to depict love, the versatile flower also represents gentility (pink rose), reverence, youthfulness (white rose), loyalty (yellow rose), and more.
Apart from symbolizing deep romantic love, the rose is also a sign of innocence and purity. The white rose, in particular, expresses remembrance and sympathy, and is often used for memorial services.
There is also the ritual of a special remembrance rose. It is a rose planted in the memory of the loved one that will be nourished for many years to come.
3. Forget-Me-Nots
As the name implies, the flowers symbolize remembrance. It also represents love and respect for the deceased and is a way of honoring them.
Forget-me-nots are not just for remembering, they also convey the importance of that person in your life. Let’s just say, it also means never-ending love.
These flowers became a true symbol of love, sacrifice, and remembrance after World War II. They were used to remember the martyrs who had laid their lives for protecting others and for world peace and freedom.
So, giving these small, delicate flowers to a family member of the deceased is your way of saying they have made a lasting impact in your life and that you will carry them in your heart.
4. Tulips
Tulips are bright flowers that come in many shades. They are vibrant and among the quickest ones to bloom. The different colors represent different things. Red tulips represent love, white represents forgiveness and remembrance, pink ignites a feeling of joy, and yellow signifies encouragement and hope for the grieving family.
White tulips are a way of sympathizing with the grieving family. They are also associated with regret and are the choice of flower for people who want to apologize.
They are often given in a single color, mostly white. If they are given in a mix of colors, they symbolize cheerfulness and hope and brighten a dark mood.
5. Hyacinths
Hyacinths are often associated with jealousy. However, the purple hyacinth represents sorrow, sadness, and, at times, even an apology.
It symbolizes regret over causing someone pain or sorrow and is often viewed as a way of seeking forgiveness. It is used to represent the inner turmoil that you are facing due to regret over something not said or done.
They convey your anguish, and their sweet smell is a reminder that they will forever be in your memory.
6. Poppy
The poppy is known worldwide as a flower representing remembrance and respect. It is mostly used to honor warriors who have given their lives for their country.
Along with being a part of grieving ceremonies, poppies are also placed directly on graves, especially on the caskets of soldiers who died while serving (killed in action or KIA).
The red poppy is the “remembrance poppy” put on graves, while the pink ones represent love and compassion.
7. Orchids
Orchids are a big family with many plants. They represent eternity or eternal love, as they remain in bloom for quite a long time compared to other flowers.
While it is a symbol of love, spotting orchids at memorial services, wakes, and funerals is not uncommon. Besides love, wisdom, and beauty, the flower also represents sympathy, respect, and remembrance.
The white and pink ones are mostly used for remembrance, sympathy, and consolation.
8. Carnations
Carnations are suitable for any gathering or event, including remembrance. They come in various colors, and every color has a specific meaning. Pink carnations are a symbol of remembrance, whereas white flowers stand for purity.
Carnations are used alongside lilies and roses in funeral arrangements. They are very popular sympathy flowers, frequently used in funeral services that go on for more than a few days.
Carnations are a dignified way of remembering a loved one. Giving it to someone means you are thinking about them and sympathizing with their loss.
9. Chrysanthemums
Known as “mums,” short for “chrysanthemums,” the flower means different things in different parts of the world. In Europe, mums represent death and are used to decorate the graves of loved ones.
In Asia, mums are a symbol of grief, while in the United States, they are used to honor lost ones. So, if the grieving family is from Asia, offer them your condolences with a bunch of chrysanthemums.
10. Gladioli
Gladioli represents character and strength, so it is the perfect remembrance flower, offering strength to the grieving family. It is also a way of saying that the deceased was a strong person and that they, too, need to be strong.
Gladioli also symbolizes remembrance, honor, sincerity, and integrity. They have long and tender stems and grow in bunches. They are a good choice for memorial services and funerals.
