You may be familiar with some of the flowers traditionally present at funeral services and related ceremonies, but did you know they have their own unique meanings? Just like the lives of those lost over the years, there's a significance to each that goes beyond the beauty on the surface. Here are a few examples of the flowers you might see at a funeral home and the messages they help express.

5 Funeral Flowers & What They Represent

1. Roses

Roses are an instantly recognizable addition to any funeral bouquet, and they carry different meanings depending on their color. Pink roses are a symbol of love and grace, while white roses point toward meanings such as humility, reverence, and innocence. Dark crimson roses are a symbol of sorrow and grief, and traditional red roses denote courage, love, and respect.

2. Lilies

Innocence and purity lie at the heart of lilies, which you will frequently see on display at funeral services. Lilies indicate that these qualities have now been restored to the dearly departed, and different varieties add to this theme in specific ways. White stargazer lilies, for instance, represent sympathy.

3. Carnations

These long-lasting, fragrant flowers convey a variety of meaningful messages. White carnations are a symbol of innocence and pure love, and red carnations make a bold statement about admiration. If you're looking to capture the essence of remembrance, pink carnations will be your bouquet of choice.

4. Chrysanthemums

The meanings behind mums actually vary from country to country, making their message unique depending on your location. White mums are a symbol of grief in Japan and Korea, and they are typically only used for funerals in Europe, where they represent death. With the exception of New Orleans, U.S. traditions give mums a more positive meaning with truth at its core.

5. Orchids

The fact that orchids symbolize enduring love makes them even more appropriate for funeral services. Pink and white orchids are of particular importance in this regard, as these colors traditionally represent sympathy.

Flowers are an important aspect of funeral services, and you can count on Dennis George Funeral Home to be by your side for every step of the funeral planning process. Their compassionate team has been helping residents throughout Cleves and the western Cincinnati area for over 20 years, with an emphasis on personalized services and the ability to provide grief support and other helpful tools whenever necessary. Visit them online to learn more about what they do, and give them a call at (513) 941-6700 to speak with a member of their compassionate staff today.