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An unavoidable side effect of living, all of us must one day die.
In American culture, funerals tend to be somber affairs, as we mourn for the loss of those we love from this life to the next. More and more, however, folks are choosing to see funerals as an opportunity to celebrate the life and memory of the departed. What better way to do that than with flowers. Here on Earth to grow, bloom and fade away, plants are the perfect symbol of the brevity and sweetness of life. If you are looking to send a floral message to a funeral meant to honor the life of someone you’ve loved, consider one of these four flowers.
If the person lived life to the fullest…
consider the wildly gorgeous Stargazer lily. This huge flower will be a focal point mixed in among the typical roses for it’s striking white and pink color and enormous blooms. More than a hand’s width across, each bud opens up with its face to the sun and sends a sweet scent that lingers like a fond memory. Unlike the somber, drooping faces of more traditional lilies, the Stargazer lily has no regrets.
If the person was taken to soon….
it’s hard to feel like celebrating a life ended unfairly early. Consider the hydrangea in times like these. Said to symbolize remembrance and devotion in the language of flowers, the large, fluffy flowers of the white, blue or pink hydrangea are comforting both to the eye and to the touch. Soft, open flowers cluster together forming large, round balls that look amazing in a vase on their own or mixed with other flowers. Soothing and lovely, they are the perfect thing to say when there is nothing, really, that can be said.
If the person was an admirer of beauty and grace…
few flowers will rival the elegance of the orchid. There are literally thousands to choose from, so it is easy to find just the right match for the person to whom you are saying farewell. Rather than choosing stems for a vase or arrangement, consider sending a potted plant. Orchids will bloom for many weeks and are a lot easier to grow as a houseplant than people may think. Not only will this gift add beauty to the final ceremonies, but will be a spot of loveliness for the family for many years to come.
If the person was a plant lover…
then you should simply ignore that line about “in lieu of flowers.” Plant lovers deserve to be sent off with leaves and petals flying everywhere.
