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It’s a common practice to gift flowers at a funeral service as a means of expressing your sympathy. Not only is it a thoughtful gesture for the departed’s loved ones, but it’s also a way to pay tribute to your lost loved one, too. The tradition of sending funeral flowers has been around for thousands of years, but their original uses were quite different from what they are today.

The History of Funeral Flowers

Original Uses

Archaeological studies have found evidence of flowers being placed around the dead as far back as 62,000 B.C. While that original purpose isn’t noted, we do know that flowers have historically been used as a means of masking the scent of death. Embalming was developed by the Egyptians in 3200 B.C., but flowers were still spread in significant quantities around the body. As civilizations evolved through history, various flowers came to hold specific meanings for different cultures, each playing a part in creating unique burial traditions. 

funeral servicesModern Uses

Funeral flowers are sent as an expression of love and comfort by those who find it difficult to otherwise share those feelings in their grief. They represent the life cycle from birth to death, and they offer a beautiful display to complement funeral services or memorial gatherings. Families often choose to include flowers in their funeral and burial arrangements for lost loved ones, and funeral flowers can be placed directly on caskets or urns.

 

If you’re preparing services for a loved one, the compassionate funeral directors at Willow Funeral Home in Willow Springs, MO, can help  guide you through the process. From selecting flowers to writing the obituary, they can help you honor your loved one while you take time to grieve. View your selection of funeral flowers online, or call (417) 469-3141 to speak to someone about the funeral home’s wide range of services.

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