Chinese Funeral Flowers

In Chinese culture, funeral customs and traditions are rich and carry significant meaning. Flowers play an essential role in expressing condolences, showing respect to the deceased, and offering comfort to the grieving family. Here are some common types of flowers and their meanings in the context of Chinese funerals:

Chrysanthemums (菊花, Júhuā): These are the most common flowers used in Chinese funerals. They symbolize mourning, grief, and lamentation. They are traditionally white or yellow, as white signifies death, mourning, and the afterlife.
Lilies (百合花, Bǎihéhuā): Lilies are often used to express the wish for the soul of the deceased to return to a state of purity and to bring peace to their spiritual journey.
Carnations (康乃馨, Kāngnǎixīn): White carnations are sometimes used in funerals to honor the memory of the deceased and to convey pure love and remembrance.
Gladiolus (剑兰, Jiànlán): This flower is often used because it symbolizes strength of character and moral integrity, fitting attributes to honor the deceased.
Lotus Flower (莲花, Liánhuā): The lotus is a revered symbol of purity and spiritual enlightenment in Chinese culture. Although less commonly used in funerals, it can be part of the floral arrangements to signify the journey to enlightenment.
Orchids (兰花, Lánhuā): They are sometimes used in funeral arrangements to symbolize enduring and eternal love.

Color Symbolism:

White: Represents purity, mourning, and death. It is the primary color for funeral arrangements and attire in Chinese funerals.
Yellow: Often symbolizes the earthy realm and is also commonly used in funeral arrangements.
Red: This color is generally avoided, as it represents happiness and celebration, which are inappropriate in the context of mourning.

Customs and Etiquette:

When sending flowers to a Chinese funeral, it’s essential to choose the right color and type of flower to convey the appropriate message of sympathy and respect.
Avoid sending bright and cheerful flowers, as these are considered disrespectful.
It’s also customary to include a condolence message with the floral arrangement, expressing your sympathies and respect for the deceased and their family.

These traditions help convey respect, reverence, and support for the grieving family while honoring the memory of the deceased according to Chinese cultural customs.