Flowers bring us joy. Its vibrant colours, the fragrance it emits, even the fluttering insects it attracts, we are all drawn to the natural beauty of floras. We buy them from our online florist in Singapore, plant and grow them in your garden, or gift them to your friends, families, and lovers.

But did you know that flowers are not only for joyful occasions? Flowers are also used in solemn events. Instead of expressing joy, these blooms express prayers, sympathy, remembrance, and honour to the departed one. These blossoms are called sympathy andcondolence flowers in Singapore.

Unlike any other flower gift, there are lots of factors to consider and etiquette to remember when sending acondolence wreath in Singapore. Continue reading this article to learn more.

A Brief History Of Funeral Flowers

Have you ever sent condolence flowers to someone in Singapore? Usually, we offer flowers to living people. We buy bouquets on Valentine’s Day and give flower baskets on Mother’s Day. We even send flowers to birthday celebrants.

But it is not new that we also offer flowers to those who left us permanently. We place flowers on the tombstones of our departed ones and hand the bereft with sympathy flowers. But where did this practice originate?

The art of giving flowers has unique meanings in different customs and cultures in the world. In Ancient Greek culture, people associated flowers with gods and goddesses. People would offer blooms in temples. In Victorian culture, people give blossoms to subtly convey a message to the receiver. This practice is still prevalent today. Ergo we order red roses from an online florist in Singapore to express adoration, love, and romance.

History is a bit hazy when it comes to funeral flowers. More than a tribute to the deceased person, early humans likely used funeral flowers for their fragrance.

Dr Ralph Solecki, an American archaeologist, has discovered floral remains in a burial site in the Shanidar Caves, a neanderthal grave in Northern Iraq. The discovery was considered a part of the early religious activity of humans since there was no evidence that animals nor birds had placed the flowers at the site.

Another possible explanation for the practice was the flowers were used to cover up the odour of decomposing bodies.

Nevertheless, giving condolence flowers in Singapore has been a widely accepted custom despite its unclear origins.

The Symbol Of Funeral Flowers

Flowers symbolise a lot of things. But for the florals offered to the departed ones, they mean the cycle of life. The flowers bloom into pretty floral heads, symbolising the birth of a beautiful creation. As time goes by, the flowers will lose their beauty with their wilting petals, symbolising ageing. The once beautiful flower will grow dry and brown, like a human body that will turn to dust as they face the inevitable death. The condolence wreath in Singapore summarises life itself.

Factors To Consider When Giving Funeral Flowers

Offering a condolence wreath in Singapore is not similar to giving a Valentine bouquet. Unlike celebratory events, funeral flowers aim to provide comfort to the grieving family. There are some etiquettes to follow and messages to convey.

Here are the factors to consider when sending funeral flowers:

Arrangements

There are two main types of condolence flowers in Singapore: funeral flowers and sympathy flowers. Both flowers have different meanings and functions.

●    Funeral Flowers

Funeral flowers are florals given to the deceased as a form of tribute. The message of funeral flowers is addressed to the departed person and not to the bereaved family. Funeral flower messages like “rest in peace”, “in loving memory”, and “forever in our hearts” are ideal.

The funeral flower arrangements are slightly bigger than sympathy flowers. It could be a wreath or condolence flower stand spray in Singapore.

You should never send funeral flowers to the home address of the bereft. Instead, send them to the memorial venue, such as the church, funeral home, and graveside services.

●    Sympathy Flowers

On the other hand, sympathy flowers are blooms given to the bereaved family to provide support and comfort.

Since the flowers are for the family or closest kin of the deceased person, the message must be for them. You can ask your online florist in Singapore to include notes with letters like “you are in my thoughts”, “we are thinking of you”, and “our thoughts and prayers are with you”.

Sympathy flower arrangements are much smaller than funeral flowers. If funeral flowers use a condolence flower stand, sympathy flowers are blossoms in the basket or vases. They can be table centrepieces.

You can send sympathy flowers to the memorial service venue or the home address of the bereaved family.

Relationship with the deceased person

The type of condolence flowers you can send to the funeral may vary, depending on your relationship with the deceased person.

●    Immediate family

If you are part of the immediate family, you can choose a larger flower arrangement, like a condolence flower stand and standing spray. Your flowers should be nearest to the casket.

●    Extended family

If you are part of the extended family, you can choose smaller arrangements, such as a wreath and floral basket. You may ask your online florist in Singapore for sympathy flowers, but funeral flowers are not uncommon.

●    Friend and colleague

If you are a friend or a colleague of the deceased person, you can send sympathy flowers instead of funeral flowers. You can deliver them to the home address or hand them to the family members at the funeral home.

The religious belief of the bereaved family

Funeral flowers are a big part of funeral practice in many religions and traditions.

Christians and protestants accept flower arrangements well.

Avoid requesting a crucifix arranged flowers to your online florist in Singapore if you will give it to Mormons or Buddhists.

Some Muslims welcome flowers, while others don’t. It is better to ask beforehand.

Jews don’t accept funeral flowers but appreciate sympathy flowers delivered at home.

Conclusion

It is beautiful to see that flowers have been a part of many practices and customs of different traditions. Despite the differences, flowers seem to knit these traditions regardless of their history and origins.

Are you looking for condolence flowers in Singapore? Find them at Flowers and Kisses.

James Montano