The History of Funeral Tributes

The History of Funeral Tributes: A Look Back at How Flowers Became Symbols of Remembrance.

For centuries, flowers have played a special role in funeral traditions, offering beauty, solace, and a sense of continuity during times of loss. In the UK, floral tributes are deeply woven into our rituals of remembrance, symbolizing everything from peace and purity to respect and love. Let’s take a look at how the tradition of using flowers in funerals has evolved and what makes them such an enduring tribute.

Ancient Beginnings: Early Flower Tributes

The practice of using flowers in funerals dates back thousands of years. Evidence suggests that as far back as 60,000 BCE, Neanderthals in the region now known as Iraq used flowers in burials. Ancient Egyptians, who regarded death as a passage to the afterlife, were known to lay garlands and aromatic flowers with the deceased. Plants like lotus blossoms and papyrus, symbols of rebirth and eternal life, were commonly used in tombs.

The Greeks and Romans also practiced floral tributes, adorning graves with olive branches, laurel wreaths, and aromatic flowers like roses and violets. This was more than just decoration; it symbolized honor, respect, and a bridge to the divine.

The Middle Ages: Religion Shapes Floral Customs

During the medieval period, flowers in the UK’s funeral rites became closely linked to Christian beliefs. The church encouraged floral arrangements as symbols of purity and paradise, creating a more sacred and hopeful atmosphere around death. White lilies, roses, and yew branches—symbols of purity, love, and eternity—became popular funeral flowers, especially for honoring saints and martyrs.

During this era, people also started using herbs such as rosemary, lavender, and thyme at funerals. These aromatic plants served a practical purpose in covering the scent of death, but they also came to symbolize remembrance and enduring love, themes that endure today.

The Victorian Era: Floral Language and Elaborate Wreaths

In the Victorian era (1837–1901), floral tributes became elaborate and highly symbolic. This period saw the development of floriography, the “language of flowers,” which allowed people to convey messages and emotions through specific flowers. This intricate code meant that every flower in a funeral arrangement had a particular meaning.

Victorian funeral flower arrangements became ornate and expressive, with large, complex wreaths, crosses, and garlands as people used flowers to say goodbye in the most meaningful way possible. The popularity of floriography also brought specific flower meanings into common knowledge; for instance, lilies became synonymous with purity and the soul’s return to peace, while white roses represented eternal love.

The 20th Century: Personalisation and New Traditions

As the 20th century progressed, funeral flowers in the UK began to reflect a more personalized approach. Flowers were no longer just symbols of purity or solemnity—they also became a way for families to celebrate the lives of those who had passed. In this period, flower arrangements began to incorporate favorite blooms of the deceased, bringing their personality and taste into the memorial.

Funeral florists began to create themed displays, such as names, shapes, or even symbols associated with the individual, like football logos or favorite objects. The familiar wreaths and sprays were now joined by more customized displays, with flowers being selected for their colours, scents, and symbolic meanings that held personal relevance.

Contemporary Funeral Tributes: Celebrating Life Through Blooms

In today’s UK, funeral tributes continue to evolve to suit changing attitudes towards death and remembrance. While traditional choices like lilies, roses, and chrysanthemums remain popular, contemporary floral tributes have become more diverse and personalized than ever. Sustainability is also an increasing focus, with many people choosing eco-friendly arrangements using locally grown, seasonal flowers that honor the earth as well as the individual.

Today, florists often work closely with bereaved families to create bespoke arrangements that tell a story of the deceased’s life, interests, and personality. Some families opt for vibrant, joyful colors to celebrate the life lived rather than focusing on loss. Florists may also be asked to design special tributes like garden-style arrangements that look more natural and reflective of the person's love for nature.