Tom Heath

Sending Funeral Flowers – The Religious Connotations

This article looks at the religious connotations behind funeral flowers, giving particular attention to colors and symbols relating to all of the worlds major religions.

Sometimes it is extremely difficult to know exactly the right words to say for someone grieving. Sending  sympathy flowers will help say the words you are unable to.

It is also important when sending sympathy flowers to adhere to the etiquettes of the families religious beliefs.

Protestants, Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterians send flowers in the name of the deceased as a mark of respect and an expression of sympathy to the family.

Roman Catholics also receive sympathy flowers as a sign of respect for the deceased. It is not acceptable to send flowers of sympathy to Muslims, or Hindus.

For those who practice Judaism flowers must never be taken to a Shiva call as this is regarded as most offensive, it is more advisable to ask the florist to send baskets of fruit.

It is acceptable to send flowers of sympathy to Buddhists, although you must inform the florist not to include any red flowers, but substitute them with white as this is the colour of mourning in Buddhism.

Sympathy flowers and cards are considered a fitting gesture by Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints). Sympathy flowers. are usually sent to the next of kin and their immediate family by friends, distant relatives or work colleagues.

There are a number of different arrangements which can be sent to portray your sympathy. It usual to use soft muted tones and shades rather than bright, loud colours. Contemporary designs of single blooms surrounded by abstract foliage and seed pods can make interesting and suitable floral arrangements for men to receive.

Hand-tied bouquets of delicate pinks or blues interspersed with white and subtle touches of foliage are suitable choices of sympathy flowers. Traditional baskets filled with funeral flowers such as lilies and roses of lemons and whites are a thoughtful sentiment as are planters filled with dainty white flowers and an abundance of varying foliage. These types of sympathy flowers are more popular than bouquets as they need no further attention, bar watering, once received.

Sympathy flowers in general are thought of as flowers sent after the death of a loved one, however, there are many other occasions when flowers can be sent in sympathy.

Whether it is indeed the death of a loved one, including the death of a beloved pet, or due to someone receiving bad news such as not passing an examination or promotion  for which they have strived, although you may not be able to be there in person sending flowers tells people that you are thinking of them and care about them at a sensitive and emotional time with the intention of bringing joy, pleasure and comfort.

Receiving flowers lifts the spirits and many grief counsellors strongly recommend the sending of sympathy flowers to help the recipient come to terms with their grief as not only the gesture of someone taking the time to select and have appropriate flowers delivered, but also the stimulation of the senses is thought to promote healing of the emotions.

Article Tags: Sympathy Flowers, Send Flowers

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR