Flowers for Chinese Funerals
- Chrysanthemums. Yellow and white chrysanthemums are a popular flower arrangement in Chinese funerals. This flower comes in several different forms such as daisy-like, decorative, pompoms and buttons.
- Roses. One of the most popular flowers in the world, the rose comes in many variations and colors. ...
- Lilies. The first historical evidence of the lily dates as far back as 1580 B.C. in Crete and is a flower of mythic proportions to the Greeks.
What colour is worn a traditional Chinese funeral?
What is the Etiquette One Has to Follow in a Chinese Funeral?
- Chinese Funeral: Protocol to be Followed. Funeral rites occupy a very important place in the traditional Chinese society, and all the set rules and etiquette need to be very strictly ...
- Colors to Wear. ...
- During the Funeral. ...
- After the Funeral. ...
- The Funeral Procession. ...
How are flowers used for a Chinese funeral?
► White Iris is the traditional funeral flower in China, so make sure that you take an elaborate wreath made of these flowers, if you are visiting during the “wake”. ► Though it is not customary, people generally also put banners with couplets about the deceased written on them, within the wreaths.
What is the appropriate flower for a funeral?
What color flowers are appropriate for a man’s funeral?
- Lilies are a traditional funeral flower and are always appropriate.
- Roses are common flowers for funerals and come in a variety of colors for every funeral style.
- Gladioli make wonderful standing fan sprays and are a traditional funeral flower.
What is the most popular funeral flower?
The following is a list of common chrysanthemum meanings based on colour:
- White chrysanthemums mean deep grief. ...
- Red chrysanthemums mean deep love
- Pink chrysanthemums symbolize the fragility of romantic relationships (in Victorian flower meanings), whereas, in Asian cultures pink chrysanthemums are associated with funerals and the afterlife
- Purple chrysanthemums mean unbearable pain at the thought of losing a loved one. ...
Are flowers appropriate for Chinese funeral?
Lilys and chrysanthemums are good choices, particularly in white or yellow. According to most traditions, Chinese culture recognizes them as funeral flowers. Roses are acceptable but only in white.
What is the Chinese funeral color?
Guests at a Chinese funeral wear somber colors like black. Bright and colorful clothing, especially red, must be avoided as these colors are associated with happiness. White is acceptable and, if the deceased was 80 or above, white with pink or red is acceptable as the event is cause for celebration.
What do you give a Chinese person when someone dies?
White or yellow chrysanthemums are an ideal choice of sympathy flowers, as traditional Chinese customs state that white and yellow flowers serve symbolic needs for the funeral.
What is the best color flower for a funeral?
White - WhiteWhite - White is the traditional color of funeral flowers, as well as sympathy flowers. The color white evokes feelings of peace, innocence, and honor. White flowers are suitable for any funeral occasion. Red - Red flowers indicate beauty, as well as strength.
What flowers do you give for a Chinese death?
In China, Japan and Korea, white chrysanthemums are symbolic of lamentation and grief. Yellow chrysanthemums are also a traditional funeral flower. In Chinese cultures, the family wears white at the funeral and does not wear any jewelry or red clothing, as red is the color of happiness.
What do you give for a Chinese funeral?
Those attending a Chinese funeral are expected to give money to the grieving family directly, or by placing the money -- or a white envelope containing the money -- into a donation box. A donation box is often present in the home where the wake is being held.
How do you express condolences in Chinese culture?
Typical condolences messages like 'I'm sorry for your loss', and 'My thoughts are with you during this time' are quite safe. In Chinese, you can say something like 'jie ai shun bian'. Apart from the actual condolence wishes, you might find yourself having the opportunity to chat with the deceased family members.
Can you wear green to a Chinese funeral?
Great-grandchildren wear light green. Anyone younger gets to wear red, to signify how lucky the deceased was to have lived through five generations.
What are 3 important aspects of Chinese death and mourning rituals?
Besides inhumation (the major custom of Chinese death culture), there are many other customs on disposing the dead, such as cremation, 'water burial', 'sky burial' (to let vultures eat the corpse), 'tree burial' (put the corpse on a big tree), 'cave burial' (put the corpse in a cave), 'cliff burial' (put the corpse on ...
What flower symbolizes death of a loved one?
Mums - In certain cultures (some European cultures and Japan and Korea), white chrysanthemums symbolize death and grief, so if the deceased person is one of these ancestries, mums are an appropriate choice for a memorial arrangement.
What does pink mean for a funeral?
Pink: admiration, appreciation, elegance, grace, love (often used at the funerals of women or children)
What color flower represents death?
Black. A color that symbolizes mourning, remorse, sorrow and death, black is often included in funerals in the West; black roses convey these sentiments as well.
What flowers are used at Chinese funerals?
Chinese funeral flowers. White or yellow mums are most often used for Chinese funerals, as white chrysanthemums symbolize grief. The white iris is traditional for families from certain regions of China. However, in the case of an elder who lived to be 80 or older, red flowers—and often a red casket interior—will be chosen.
What do Chinese people wear at funerals?
Traditionally, family and guests of a Chinese funeral wear plain white and brown burlap clothes, 披麻戴孝 (pī má dàixiào). A son or son-in-law will wear a black armband. Western influences have made black attire more acceptable at Chinese funerals, so if you want to wear conservative black dress clothes, you can feel free to do that.
What is the tradition of a funeral?
After the funeral, there is a procession to the gravesite or crematory. Tradition calls for the loved one's oldest son or grandson to lead, carrying a large portrait of the loved one and the incense holder. Other family members follow the leader. Friends and other guests walk behind the family.
Why do people wear pink at funerals?
There's an exception to this tradition, however. If the loved one died naturally at 80 or older, the funeral event is a celebration of a long life, and guests may wear pink or red to show their happiness.
What is dignity memorial?
If you are seeking to plan a funeral that will honor your family traditions and the wishes of your loved one , Dignity Memorial professionals can help. It’s important to choose a funeral home provider familiar with Asian funeral traditions that can assist you in planning a fitting tribute for your loved one. We specialize in honoring family customs while adding personal details where appropriate. Our funeral homes offer cremation services, and many include a private witness room where the family can gather to pay respects and reflect on the life being honored.
What is the most important aspect of a Buddhist funeral?
Chanting, 誦經 (sòng jīng), is the most important aspect of a Buddhist funeral, as it helps ensure the loved one reaches enlightenment in death. Read more about Buddhist funeral traditions.
What color flowers do women wear?
In fact, it's not uncommon for flowers to fill a room. Women in the family often wear mourning flowers in their hair. The color depends on their relation to the loved one: White–wife, daughter, daughter in law. Green–grandchildren. Blue–great-grandchildren.
What flowers are used for funerals in China?
China. In China, and in much of Asia, the color white is associated with death and grief, so white flowers are always an appropriate choice. Lilies are as suitable for funerals in Chinese culture as they are in the U.S., as are white roses. Chrysanthemums in white or yellow are traditional funeral flowers as well.
Can you send flowers to a friend from another culture?
When it’s time to express condolences to a friend from another culture, you might not be sure what kind of flowers to send — or if you should even send them at all. In Asian cultures, flowers are often appropriate for funerals, though certain colors or types may not send the right message.
Can you send flowers to a Japanese funeral?
Still, flowers in whites and yellows won’t be considered inappropriate if you wish to send them.
What flowers are used at Chinese funerals?
Yellow and white chrysanthemums are a popular flower arrangement in Chinese funerals. This flower comes in several different forms such as daisy-like, decorative, pompoms and buttons. They are a tropical Asian flower used often in this Asian culture.
What does the white stargazer lily symbolize?
This common funeral flower symbolizes the restoration of innocence after death. The white stargazer lily particularly represents sympathy for the grieving.
Do Chinese people send flowers at funerals?
As with cultures all over the world, the Chinese people have special customs for funeral services. Giving flowers in the event of a death is perfectly acceptable in Chinese culture; however, red flowers should never be sent for a funeral. White flowers are most often sent to family members of the deceased, and a white/yellow combination is very popular at a Chinese funeral. There are several types of flowers that are acceptable for Chinese funerals.
What To Wear To A Chinese Funeral?
Among the most important things when it comes to etiquette, is your dressing, not just in Chinese funerals but all events in general. You must always dress according to the occasion. You don’t want to be the sore point at an event attracting the wrong attention to yourself.
What Color Flowers For Chinese Funeral?
Flowers are also an important part of a funeral. It is therefore not uncommon to find many wreaths of flowers included in a funeral. But is vital that you understand which flowers are suitable as per Chinese culture, and in what colors.
What Happens At A Chinese Funeral?
As we’ve mentioned there are a lot of rites and rituals performed both before, during, and after the funeral. For that reason, there is a lot of preparation that goes into the occasion. There are two main forms of traditional Chinese funerals.
What Do You Do At A Chinese Funeral?
Your role at a Chinese funeral is largely dependent on your family to the deceased. The family plays a key role in the preparation and execution of the ceremony. As a family member, you are expected to take a turn sitting next to the coffin during the wake.
What Can You Not Do At A Chinese Funeral?
Chinese culture is very strict about adhering to funeral customs and ensuring that they are done properly. As such, there are several don’ts when it comes to a traditional Chinese funeral:
How Much Money Do You Give At A Chinese Funeral?
According to Chinese funeral customs, guests usually gift money in white envelopes to the deceased’s family. You can either give it directly to a family member or put it in a donation box if it’s been put out. This can be done a day before or on the day of the funeral.
How Do Chinese Bury Their Dead?
After the funeral ceremony, the casket is put in a hearse and is accompanied by a funeral procession to the burial site. A large portrait of the deceased is usually placed on the windshield of the hearse. The procession is led by a band playing loud music to scare off any evil spirits.
What is a Chinese funeral?
A Chinese funeral is a structured event and many pieces are incorporated into the process. Appropriate attire and adherence to the rules is expected. A formal invitation is often sent in place of a standard death announcement. Every person is expected to carry the funeral out according to custom.
What religions are allowed at Chinese funerals?
Chinese Funeral Etiquette. The Chinese government recognizes five major religions, Buddhism, Catholicism, Islam, and Protestantism. The practice of any other faith is strictly prohibited in China. These religious subcultures play a role in the structure of funerals.
What is the tradition of a woman wailing in grief?
Traditions and customs. It’s a tradition for women to wail in grief. The larger the deceased’s inheritance, the louder the wailing. An altar is built around the casket and incense and candles are burned. Visitors bring white money envelopes to help contribute to the funeral fund.
Why do Chinese people cry at funerals?
Paid professionals are often hired to wail and cry throughout the funeral. Crying and wailing is a sign of loyalty and respect to the deceased. Parents do not offer prayers if the deceased is their child.
How long after a funeral do Chinese people visit?
A plaque is placed outside of the home of the deceased after the funeral ends. The Chinese believe that the soul of the deceased will come and visit 7 days after the funeral and the plaque ensures that the soul does not get lost.
How long does a funeral last?
Ceremonies, rituals, and mourning last up to 100 days. On the 7th day after the funeral, the family believes the soul of the deceased will visit. They stay in their rooms and powder is sprinkled around the door to confirm their presence.
How do Chinese families visit the grave?
Chinese families visit the grave together every year. They clean the grave and make sure it is well kept. Incense, food, fruit, and other gifts are placed on the grave. Family members will talk to the deceased as if they are present by sharing stories and making jokes.
What flowers are used for funerals?
Blue and Purple Funeral Flowers: Blue and purple flowers rarely work in any setting except for a funeral one. Popular because they signify serenity and sympathy, they are also soothing in ways that brighter, more vibrant funeral flowers are not. White Funeral Flowers: Signifying purity and innocence, white funeral flowers are commonly associated ...
Why do people use pink flowers at funerals?
Pink Funeral Flowers: Pink is used to send messages of innocence, love, and femininity. Colorful while also being soothing, pink flowers in a funeral are a good way to show a sweet, lasting love that reaches beyond the grave.
What is the meaning of white flowers at a funeral?
White Funeral Flowers: Signifying purity and innocence, white funeral flowers are commonly associated with both weddings and funerals. While all-white sprays can be a bit bleak, white mixed in with more colorful blossoms (especially blue or purple) can send a calming, comforting message of sympathy. Black Funeral Flowers: Try not ...
What do green funeral flowers mean?
Green Funeral Flowers: Green flowers (or leafy displays) tend to symbolize a harmonious balance with nature. If you would like to emphasize the circle of life and the continuity of your affection, green funeral flowers might be a good fit.
Why are flowers important in Chinese culture?
Various varieties and colors can convey drastically different messages, which creates a lot of pressure when you’re afraid of breaching strict cultural protocols.
What color is a Chinese rose?
Red Chinese Roses#N#Red is the key color here, to send wishes for good fortune, wealth and a prosperous future. For birthdays, celebrations and new business launches, red Chinese roses are the easiest choice, accented with perhaps golden rod and baby’s breath.
What to send to a newly married friend?
For a Wedding. Pomegranate Flowers. Pomegranate fruit is tart, but contains lots of seeds. Send pomegranate flowers to newly-married friends to express good wishes for fertility and many sons.
What do peach flowers represent?
Peach Flowers#N#Peach flowers are sacred in China, representing longevity, romance, prosperity and growth. Paired with a beautiful vase, they’re a wonderful way to express wishes for a good life to your mom.
What color are chrysanthemums?
White and Yellow Chrysanthemums. If you’re ordering from a non-Chinese florist, give strict instructions that the arrangement (including any vase) contain nothing red. This is the color for happiness and prosperity, which is clearly inappropriate for this occasion and which will cause great offense. Send white chrysanthemums to the family of the ...
Is it ok to send flowers in China?
In reality, giving bouquets of flowers is a relatively modern phenomenon in China. Until recent times, cut flowers were generally associated with funerals. Though sending flowers is now generally accepted practice, it remains a nice touch to send a potted plant, instead of a bouquet, if the flowers are to be displayed in ...
What color flowers are used for funerals?
White - White is the traditional color of funeral flowers, as well as sympathy flowers. The color white evokes feelings of peace, innocence, and honor. White flowers are suitable for any funeral occasion. Red - Red flowers indicate beauty, as well as strength.
What is the best flower to put in a funeral?
5. Gladioli. The gladiolus is a type of flower in the iris family, and it’s sometimes known as the “sword lily.”. Because they grow in bunches along tall stems, gladioli represent strength and integrity. They also come in a variety of colors, which makes them a perfect addition to funeral floral arrangements.
What do chrysanthemums look like?
Sometimes known as “mums,” chrysanthemums grow in various shapes. They can look daisy-like, or they can look more like colorful pom-poms. You can even find bonsai chrysanthemums. In addition to a wide range of colors, its variety of shapes and forms makes the chrysanthemum perfect for funeral arrangements.
What is a funeral basket?
A funeral basket is similar to a floor basket, but it’s often smaller and includes simple cut flowers. If you want to send a simple floral gift to a funeral, consider a funeral basket (also called a floral basket).
What do funeral flowers come in?
Funeral flowers come in a variety of arrangements, and each one has a different use and purpose. The family members who plan and set up the funeral order some of these arrangements themselves. Funeral attendees should stick to other kinds of floral bouquets and baskets.
What does blue mean in funeral flowers?
Blue - Blue funeral flowers express deep condolences and mourning. At the same time, blue can symbolize your hopes for the future and well wishes for the family. Individual colors may have meanings all on their own. But often, floral arrangements achieve greater meaning in how they use different colors together.
What does the color of a funeral flower mean?
Red - Red flowers indicate beauty, as well as strength. Red funeral flowers can add a touch of vibrancy to a funeral or visitation. Pink - Pink flowers represent softness and sympathy. Pink is a respectful color option for sympathy flowers, as well as funeral flower arrangements in many cases.
