Losing a loved one is never easy, and flowers are often a way to express our condolences and pay tribute to those who have passed away.
While many flowers are associated with happiness and celebration, others hold a deeper, more somber meaning. In this article, we will explore 10 flowers that represent mourning and the emotions they convey.
Lily
The lily is a well-known symbol of mourning and has been used in funerals for centuries. The long-stemmed, white lily is particularly associated with funerals and represents the restored innocence of the soul of the departed.
The trumpet-shaped petals of the lily are thought to symbolize the call of the soul to the heavens, while the whiteness of the flower signifies purity and the transience of life.
In some cultures, lilies are also associated with the resurrection of Christ and are used in Easter celebrations.
Other colors of lilies may also be used in funerals, such as pink or stargazer lilies, which represent admiration, sympathy, and hope.
Lilies are often used in funeral arrangements, sympathy bouquets, and casket sprays, and are a common sight in memorial gardens and cemeteries.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an evergreen herb that is often used in funeral arrangements and wreaths to symbolize remembrance and mourning.
Its aromatic leaves have long been associated with memory, and in ancient times, mourners would often wear sprigs of rosemary at funerals as a sign of their sorrow and respect for the deceased.
The herb’s woody scent is said to help clear the mind and promote calmness, making it a natural choice for times of grief and mourning.
In some cultures, rosemary is also seen as a symbol of loyalty and fidelity, and is often included in funeral wreaths or planted at gravesites as a sign of enduring love and devotion.
The herb’s hardiness and ability to survive in tough conditions also make it a fitting symbol of resilience and strength in the face of loss and sorrow.
Overall, the use of rosemary in mourning rituals and traditions underscores the deep emotional significance of flowers and plants in times of grief, and the enduring power of nature to comfort and heal us in times of sorrow.
Forget-Me-Not
Forget-me-nots are delicate blue or pink flowers that have long been associated with remembrance and memory.
These flowers are often given as gifts or planted in memory of loved ones who have passed away, and they are also commonly used in funeral arrangements.
Forget-me-nots are thought to symbolize not only remembrance, but also a sense of loyalty, faithfulness, and enduring love for those who have left this world.
As a flower that represents mourning, forget-me-nots offer a sense of comfort to those who are grieving, reminding them that the memory of their loved ones will always be cherished and held close to the heart.
Hyacinth
Hyacinth is a fragrant flower that has long been associated with grief and mourning. In Greek mythology, the flower was said to have grown from the blood of Hyacinthus, a beautiful youth who was accidentally killed by the god Apollo.
The flower was believed to have sprung up from the spot where Hyacinthus died, and its petals were said to bear the letters AI, representing the mournful cry of Apollo.
In Victorian times, hyacinths were often given as a symbol of sorrow and were commonly used in funeral arrangements.
The flowers come in a range of colors, but the most commonly used for mourning are the blue and purple varieties, which are said to symbolize sadness, regret, and a sense of loss.
Despite its association with mourning, hyacinths are also a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings, making them a poignant reminder that even in times of sadness, there is always the possibility of renewal and hope.
Iris
Iris is a flower that is commonly associated with mourning, and it has been used in funeral arrangements for centuries. The iris is a delicate flower with a striking appearance, and it is often used to convey messages of hope, faith, and courage during difficult times.
In Greek mythology, the goddess Iris was the personification of the rainbow and the messenger of the gods. The iris flower was named after her, and it has since been associated with her attributes of courage and hope.
The three petals of the iris were said to represent faith, wisdom, and valor, and they were often used in funeral wreaths to symbolize the virtues of the deceased.
The iris is also commonly associated with the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition. It is said that the three petals of the iris represent the Holy Trinity, and the purple color of the flower symbolizes the sorrow and mourning of Mary at the crucifixion of her son, Jesus.
In modern times, the iris continues to be used in funeral arrangements as a symbol of the emotions that accompany the loss of a loved one.
The flower’s delicate beauty is a reminder of the fragility of life, and its resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Poppy
The poppy is a flower that has been used to represent mourning for many centuries, particularly in Western cultures. The association between the poppy and mourning can be traced back to ancient Greece, where the flower was associated with Persephone, the goddess of the underworld and the dead.
In more recent times, the poppy has become a symbol of remembrance for soldiers who have died in wars.
This association began after World War I, when Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote a poem called “In Flanders Fields” that described the red poppies that grew over the graves of soldiers who had died in battle.
The poem, and the poppy that it describes, have become a powerful symbol of mourning and remembrance for those who have died in war.
In many countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, poppies are worn on Remembrance Day (also known as Armistice Day or Veterans Day) to honor those who have died in service.
The poppy’s association with mourning also comes from its short lifespan, as the flowers only last a few days before falling apart. This transience can be seen as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.
Overall, the poppy is a flower that represents mourning in both a historical and contemporary context, serving as a powerful symbol of loss and remembrance for those who have passed away.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are often associated with mourning in many cultures around the world. In European countries like France, Belgium, and Italy, chrysanthemums are used almost exclusively as funeral flowers.
In Japan, chrysanthemums are associated with death and are used at funerals and gravesites. The flower has also been used in Chinese culture for centuries to represent death, grief, and mourning.
One of the reasons chrysanthemums are associated with mourning is because of their blooming season.
They typically bloom in the late fall, coinciding with the season of death and the end of the growing season. In addition, the flower’s long life and resilience are seen as a symbol of the endurance of the human spirit in times of grief and loss.
In some cultures, the color of the chrysanthemum also plays a role in its association with mourning.
White chrysanthemums are often used at funerals and are seen as a symbol of purity and innocence. Yellow chrysanthemums, on the other hand, are associated with death and are not typically given as gifts.
Overall, chrysanthemums are a powerful symbol of mourning and can be a meaningful way to express sympathy and support during difficult times.
Marigold
Marigold is a flower that is commonly associated with mourning and grief. The flower is native to Mexico and is often referred to as the “flower of the dead”. In Mexican culture, marigolds are used to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, a holiday that honors deceased loved ones.
The bright orange and yellow petals of the marigold are believed to represent the sun and its warmth, and it is said that the scent of the marigold helps guide spirits back to the world of the living.
Marigolds are often placed on altars and graves as offerings to the deceased, and their bright colors are thought to bring joy and happiness to those who have passed on.
In other cultures, marigolds are also associated with mourning and loss. In Victorian times, the flower was often given as a symbol of grief and sadness. The deep orange and yellow colors were thought to represent the tears shed by the bereaved.
Overall, the marigold is a flower that has long been associated with death, grief, and mourning. Its bright colors and scent are believed to bring comfort and joy to those who are grieving, and it is often used as a symbol of remembrance for loved ones who have passed on.
Dark Red Rose
The dark red rose is a flower that is often associated with mourning. It symbolizes deep love, grief, and sorrow for a loss. The deep red color of the rose represents love and respect, while the darkness of the hue symbolizes the sadness and grief that comes with loss.
In many cultures, dark red roses are often used in funeral arrangements and displayed on graves.
They are also given as a gift to express condolences to those who have lost a loved one. The rose’s beauty and fragrance can provide comfort and offer a reminder of the beauty that can come from life, even in the face of death.
The dark red rose is also sometimes used in literature and art to symbolize mourning and grief. It can be seen as a representation of the pain and heartache that comes with the loss of someone close.
Overall, the dark red rose is a powerful symbol of mourning that can convey deep emotions and feelings of love and respect for those who have passed.
Blue Salvia
Blue salvia is a flower that can represent mourning due to its symbolism of remembrance and memory. The deep blue color of the petals is often associated with sadness and mourning, and the plant is sometimes used in funeral arrangements or planted in memory gardens.
In addition to its color, the plant’s scientific name, Salvia, is derived from the Latin word “salvare,” which means “to save.”
This has led to the flower being associated with the concept of salvation or being saved, which can also tie into mourning and the hope of an afterlife.
The blue salvia is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments. This may further add to its association with healing and comfort during times of grief.
Overall, the blue salvia’s deep blue color and associations with remembrance, salvation, and healing make it a meaningful flower for those looking to express their feelings of mourning and loss.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
