This article was reviewed by Jason Zuk and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophie Burkholder, BA. Jason Zuk is a Psychic Medium based in Tampa, Florida. He has almost 20 years of experience and has worked professionally as a psychic medium for six years. Jason works with people to confront obstacles and challenges so they can reach personal clarity. He is the Producer and Host of the podcast, The Social Psychic Radio Show, which is a seven-time Award Winning Podcast ranked in the Top 2% of all podcasts globally. Jason is also the Producer and Co-Host with Megan Kane of his second show, Psychic Visions Podcast, which is signed with ElectraCast Media. Jason received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tampa, a Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University, and an LL.M. (Master of Law) in International & Comparative Law from Georgetown University.
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From coded messages to accompanying major life events, flowers have always been associated with special meaning. Sometimes, that meaning is connected to death. While some flowers symbolize the malicious aspects of death, others convey remembrance, condolences, and the celebration of a life well lived. Whether you’re simply interested in the history of flowers or looking for the appropriate flowers to gift after a loss, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to symbolically significant florals.
Things You Should Know
- Flowers commonly used in funeral arrangements or sympathy bouquets include carnations, orchids, lilies, and gladioli.
- Not every flower that symbolizes death can be used to express condolences. Some express danger or ill will, and their meaning may vary by culture.
- A flower’s modern symbolism is typically connected to its appearance in religious texts, mythology, or the famed Victorian-era flower code.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhich flower is considered the most evil?ButterflyTop AnswererBlack (actually burgundy) dahlias are considered to be evil flowers because of their meaning of betrayal. Other “evil” flowers include tansies, blue and yellow hydrangeas, and yellow carnations.
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Tips
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Educate yourself on someone’s cultural background before gifting flowers. Jewish and Islamic cultures, for example, do not traditionally receive flowers.[32]Thanks
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In Buddhist ceremonies, white flowers are traditionally used for mourning, while bringing red flowers would be considered bad etiquette for a funeral.[33]Thanks
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If attending a Hindu ceremony, mourners are expected to arrive empty-handed, without flowers or other gifts.[34]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.almanac.com/content/january-birth-flowers
- ↑ https://www.almanac.com/november-birth-flower
- ↑ https://flowermag.com/consider-lily-flower/
- ↑ https://www.metrofieldguide.com/folklore-nature-the-death-flower/
- ↑ https://www.floweradvisor.com/blog/black-rose-flower-meaning/
- ↑ https://mollybrown.org/the-hidden-language-of-flowers/
- ↑ https://www.gardenia.net/genus/solidago-goldenrod
- ↑ https://libguides.ollusa.edu/diadelosmuertos/marigolds
- ↑ https://thedaffodilsociety.com/miscellany/daffodilsthe-language-of-flowers/
- ↑ https://www.interflora.co.uk/page/flower-types/narcissi
- ↑ https://www.history.com/news/world-war-i-poppy-remembrance-symbol-veterans-day
- ↑ https://ia801201.us.archive.org/33/items/cu31924067884126/cu31924067884126.pdf
- ↑ https://www.petalrepublic.com/cypress-vine-flower-meaning/#2-the-meaning-symbolism-and-cultural-significance-of-cypress-vine-flowers-
- ↑ https://houseplantcentral.com/language-of-flowers/gladiolus-flower-meaning/
- ↑ https://foxandweeks.com/the-meaning-behind-various-funeral-flowers
- ↑ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/orchid-symbolism-meanings-behind-flower
- ↑ https://www.orchidsplus.com/monkey-orchid-facts/
- ↑ https://ia801201.us.archive.org/33/items/cu31924067884126/cu31924067884126.pdf
- ↑ https://www.iocf.org.uk/rosemary-for-remembrance/
- ↑ https://www.literarycalligraphy.com/flowers/spread_of_language_of_flowers.htm
- ↑ https://www.iocf.org.uk/rosemary-for-remembrance/
- ↑ https://www.chicagobotanic.org/blog/plants_and_gardening/monsters_magic_and_monkshood
- ↑ https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/to-victorians-flower-arrangements-were-often-secret-messages
- ↑ https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:316069-1/general-information
- ↑ https://www.petalrepublic.com/asphodel-flower/#0-asphodel-flower-symbolism-%E2%80%93-key-takeaways-
- ↑ https://ia801201.us.archive.org/33/items/cu31924067884126/cu31924067884126.pdf
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/plant/asphodel-plant
- ↑ https://houseplantcentral.com/language-of-flowers/anemone-flower-meaning/
- ↑ https://www.petalrepublic.com/cowslip-flowers/
- ↑ https://ia801201.us.archive.org/33/items/cu31924067884126/cu31924067884126.pdf
- ↑ https://www.rcpe.ac.uk/sites/default/files/vol29_4.1_15.pdf
- ↑ https://healgrief.org/muslim-death-funeral-burial-customs-traditions/
- ↑ https://www.1stopbuddhistfuneralservices.com.sg/choosing-the-right-sympathy-flowers-for-buddhist-funerals/
- ↑ https://workplacehealing.com/resources/heart-based-resources/hindu-funeral-traditions-etiquette/