Symbolism of Flowers on Graves
- Greeks’ Tradition
- Symbolic Meanings
- Popular Flowers
Meaning of Rose Varieties
- Full Bloom: Early Death
- Bud: Child’s Grave
- Partial Bloom: Teen’s Grave
Customs of Flower Placement
- Tossing Bouquets
- Partner’s Tradition
- Stones as Memorials
The practice of leaving flowers at graves began thousands of years ago when the ancient Greeks would honor fallen warriors. They believed that if the flowers rooted into the ground and grew from the gravesite, it was a sign that the fallen had found peace. Certain flowers have become strongly associated with funerals and grave sites due to their symbolism or availability. Some of the most popular types of flowers used to adorn graves include roses, carnations, lilies, chrysanthemums, and orchids.
A rose in full bloom symbolizes someone who died early in their prime. A bud shows a child’s grave. Partial bloom is a teen’s. If white, spiritual innocence. Red, passionate love. Pink, grace. Yellow denotes friendship ties.
A bouquet tossed in a grave or lying atop honors gently. A spouse or partner traditionally tosses in first. The color rose on a grave is personal. Arrangements called immortelles use dried or fake blossoms to last. Leaving stones instead of flowers lets others know the departed was visited, grieved for.
Memorial Day’s grave decorating comes from 1868’s Decoration Day. Lincoln’s death made flowers for graves popular. Greeks placed blossoms believing they signified happiness beyond. Various flowers have symbolic meanings. Roses remain most popular, their colors denoting different things. Ultimately graveside blooms represent ongoing connection between living and lost.