The Story Behind a Funeral Wreath with a Flower of Death

Once found and appreciated in Chine and Japan, the chrysanthemum quickly gained the sympathy of gardeners, and today is represented by many varieties around the world. The shapes of its flowers vary from curly to smooth, from tiny to giant. Even though its colors are quite modest, the shades are extremely sophisticated, striking with delicacy and naturalness.

Searching for lavender color flowers, you can find chrysanthemum of this color, but best flowers for funeral usually include wine red or yellow chrysanthemums. What’s behind this flower, and why is it mostly used to express condolences?

Perception of Chrysanthemum In the World

1. Chrysanthemums in Japan

Chrysanthemum is the national symbol of Japan, and only the members of the emperor’s family wear its image. It stands for the sun and power, as evidenced by its depiction on the Mikado sword from the 12th century. You can find it even on the national flag and coins. Moreover, one of the biggest holidays in Japan is the Chrysanthemum Festival, celebrated in October. People decorate their homes with flowers, and noble people ride boats decorated with chrysanthemums. This tradition has survived to this day. During the holiday, collections of chrysanthemums are exhibited in the imperial gardens, where you can sometimes find plants with up to 800 flowers on them. In Dango-Tsaka Park, you can see amazing flower paintings, depicting battle scenes, landscapes. Japanese gardeners are proud to be extremely skillful in creating those floral masterpieces.

1. Chrysanthemums in China

The Chrysanthemum is also revered in China, where it is considered a symbol of autumn and immortality. According to legend, in 246 BC, the Chinese emperor learned about a plant that could provide an elixir of life and sent 300 young men and women to search for it. They did not return, but, according to legend, they founded a new state on the island where Japan is located now.

1. Chrysanthemums in Europe

Europeans first encountered the chrysanthemum in 17th-century England, but it became popular only in the 19th century when it was introduced to France. Nowadays, you won’t be able to find even one garden in England that wouldn’t have chrysanthemum growing there. It is valued for its late flowering, when most flowers are already gone. This flower has become a symbol of grief and is often used at burials, especially in France and Italy.

Legends Behind The Memorial Flower

There are many legends about the chrysanthemum. One of them tells of a poor woman who, having lost her son, was bringing wildflowers to his grave. When the wildflowers stopped growing, she decorated the grave with an artificial bouquet left by her mother. After watering it with tears, she saw the artificial flowers turn into real chrysanthemums. Since then, these flowers have bloomed on the grave every year.

Another legend tells of a genie – the guardian of the temple in the form of a young girl who once became immortal after drinking wine with the petals of chrysanthemum.

Funeral Flowers In Edmonton

There are many cheap funeral flowers like xeranthemums that are commonly chosen funeral flowers in Canada, but a good idea for a flower bouquet for funeral would be the one with more traditional flowers like:

• chrysanthemums;
• calla lilies;
• lilies;
• orchids;
• roses.

Even though you can create your own funeral wreath or bouquet, those sensitive and delicate moments are usually full of sadness and grief. If you are wondering “is the funeral wreath near me” it may be better to use a condolence flower delivery service to do it for you and to send flowers where you need so you would have more time to spend with your grief or people who need your support.

The chrysanthemum is a flower that symbolizes joy and sorrow, being associated with winter (the death season), loneliness and eternity (usually revealed after the death). This is why it became the symbol of grief and thus a funeral flower, even though, of course, it is often used and seen in other circumstances. Its growing popularity reflects the deep respect it holds in various cultures around the world.