| While some people believe the first funeral | | | | mourning families to express their grief verbally. |
| flowers were used to mask the odor of body | | | | To send flowers is an expression of respect, |
| decomposition at President Andrew Jackson's | | | | sympathy, and love to the deceased. |
| funeral in 1874, the earliest record of funeral | | | | Uses for Funeral Flowers |
| flowers was actually from the Shanidar caves in | | | | Funeral flowers can be used in many different |
| Iraq, where a 30-45 male Neanderthal skeleton | | | | ways. They can be displayed during a wake at |
| was found in the fetal position with pollen deposits | | | | the funeral home, and in a church or synagogue |
| from eight wildflowers, among them cornflower, | | | | for religious services. They may also be used to |
| grape hyacinth, hollyhock, and thistle | | | | decorate a grave, be sent directly to the family, |
| approximately 60-80,000 years ago. | | | | or be draped over a casket. |
| Throughout history, flowers have been used for | | | | While there are no specific flowers associated |
| every stage of the life cycle, from birth to death. | | | | with funerals, some traditional choices include |
| In death, flowers are a traditional way to honor | | | | tulips, gladiolas, carnations roses, calla lilies, golden |
| the dead which is symbolic of the fragile, fleeting | | | | lilies, irises, and snapdragons. |
| nature of life. It is thought that the natural beauty | | | | Floral Arrangement Types |
| of flowers can also lessen some of the emotional | | | | Some of the most commonly used funeral |
| burden that accompanies the visual imagery of | | | | flowers include: |
| funerals. | | | | Crosses and hearts |
| In the 19th century, "flower ladies" participated in | | | | Standing sprays |
| funerals by carrying flowers from the funeral | | | | Casket mounds |
| home to the procession, and were responsible for | | | | Baskets |
| arranging them at the cemetery plot for the | | | | Wreaths |
| families; this task was considered to be as | | | | Live plants |
| important as the role of the pallbearers. | | | | Regardless of what flowers you select and how |
| Modern Funeral Flowers | | | | the arrangement is used, flowers can be a visual |
| Today, flowers are used at funerals for many | | | | tribute to the relationship you had with the person |
| reasons. First, they help facilitate emotional | | | | and help you express your feelings of loss. |
| release, as it is frequently very difficult for | | | | |