Across cultures, flowers are often used during funeral ceremonies and laid at headstones or burial sites. However, there are different practices associated with funeral flowers based on their color and the particular customs of the culture. Here is a guide to the different floral traditions among other cultures and faiths during a funeral.

Hispanic Culture

Closely tied to Roman Catholicism, Hispanic culture generally follows the traditions of their faith. Flower arrangements and plants are commonly given as gifts and placed in the church during the funeral service or mass. Wreaths and floral tributes in the shape of a cross are also presented to the grieving family or placed on headstones.

Asian Cultures

Asian funeral traditions can vary depending on the country and religion, but generally, white flowers — such as lilies and chrysanthemums — are preferred. To honor Japanese, Chinese, and Korean customs, yellow chrysanthemums are a traditional funeral flower given to the family or placed at the headstone or monument. Red is typically a symbol of happiness in Asian cultures and should never be included in a funeral flower arrangement.

Islamic Culture

There are two schools of thought on whether flowers are appropriate for Muslim funerals. It’s best to reach out to the family to inquire about what they prefer. If flowers are acceptable, roses and similar varieties of fragrant flowers are popular — as are individual flowers, palm branches, and other greenery.

Jewish Culture

In the Jewish faith, flowers are usually not sent to the funeral home or grave site. During the seven-day mourning period, Kosher food and fruit baskets are sent to the home of the grieving family. Friends of the deceased may send flower arrangements to families at their home during the mourning period.

Sweet-Woods Memorial Co., located in Phoenix, NY, is a family-owned company that is dedicated to properly memorializing your loved ones. They specialize in creating personalized headstones, monuments, bronze memorials, grave markers, and other funerary and burial structures needed to honor your family’s traditions. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (315) 695-3376.