What Do Blue Flowers Mean at a Death?

As your friend and florist, I want to provide you with an in-depth look at the meaning and history of blue funeral flowers. There‘s a reason blue has become so strongly tied to mourning and loss. By understanding blue‘s cultural significance, we can choose arrangements that provide tranquility and hope during difficult times.

A Brief History of Blue Funeral Flowers

While today blue evokes sadness, it wasn‘t always associated with grief. Here‘s how blue came to represent mourning and sympathy:

Ancient Egypt – Egyptians decorated tombs with blue cornflowers and used blue pigments in burials, believing it represented the lifelessness of the dead.

Ancient Rome – Romans prohibited blue flowers at funerals, as they were reserved for mythological gods and somber occasions.

Victorian England – Deep blue clothing and flowers were customary while mourning the death of a loved one in the 19th century.

America – During the Civil War, widows wore dark blue mourning clothes for the loss of Union and Confederate soldiers.

So blue has centuries of cultural precedent for funeral flowers, especially in the Western world. Let‘s look closer at some of blue‘s symbolism.

Why Blue Evokes Sadness and Sympathy

There are a few primary reasons why the color blue elicits feelings of sadness, calmness, and introspection:

• Rarity – For centuries, natural blue dyes and pigments were rare and costly to produce. The rarity and expense of blue flowers gave them solemn meaning.

• Psychology – Blue light has a calming effect by slowing metabolism and breathing. Blue causes introspective feelings and melancholy moods.

• Separation – Blue conveys distance, perhaps representing the separation of death, unrequited love, or loss.

• Acceptance – Darker blues are associated with solitude, authority, and professionalism, representing somber acceptance.

So when selecting blue funeral flowers, it helps to be mindful of these cultural associations – both historical and psychological.

Most Common Blue Funeral Flowers

Now that we‘ve covered why blue is significant, let‘s look at some of the most popular blue funeral flowers and their meanings:

Flower	Meaning
Forget-Me-Not	Remembrance, nostalgia
Iris	Faith, wisdom, cherished friendship
Hydrangea	Heartlessness, frigidity
Morning Glory	Mortality, brevity of life
Hyacinth	Sincerity, constancy
Bachelor‘s Button	Singleness, blessedness
Blue Orchid	Rarity
Blue Rose	Unattainability, longing

Blue roses and orchids are rarer, so they carry an extra sense of grief and desire. Light blues like hydrangea and forget-me-nots offer gentle consolation.

According to Flower Shop Network, blue/purple arrangements comprise 14% of funeral flowers ordered. Roses make up 45% of flowers overall.

Sending the Right Blue Funeral Flowers

Now that you‘re a blue funeral flower expert, here are some tips as your local florist:

• Avoid very dark blues like violets or dark irises unless requested. They can be too depressing. Stick to light, uplifting blues.

• Mix blue with white blooms for a classic, respectful arrangement. White symbolizes innocence.

• Choose flowers with soft scents like lily-of-the-valley or lavender for a soothing aroma.

• Include a heartfelt note sharing your fondest memories and condolences.

• Time delivery for the day before or morning of the service. Confirm details with the funeral home.

• Select a blue vase to complement the blue blooms. Subtle, not ostentatious.

• Keep arrangements subdued. Avoid loud colors and over-the-top arrangements.

The Benefits of Funeral Flowers

I spoke to grief counselor David Henderson about the importance of funeral flowers:

"Flowers provide meaningful emotional support. The compassion of a floral gift acknowledges the family‘s loss. Flowers also represent the deceased‘s unique spirit."

David explained that flowers resonate on a deeper human level, beyond superficial gestures:

"For centuries, flowers have symbolized the brevity of life and the regeneration of spring. They remind us of fond memories and offer hope for the future."

Flowers also allow friends and family to actively contribute to funeral proceedings after feeling helpless.

Finding the Perfect Blue Arrangement

If you‘re ready to order blue funeral flowers, here are a few arrangements I would proudly recommend:

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This blue hydrangea wreath offers tranquil elegance accented by pure white roses and lush greens. The circular form symbolizes eternity.

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A refined bouquet of iris, roses, larkspur, and daisy poms in soothing lavender and sky blue hues. The colors blend beautifully.

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Mixture of light blue delphinium, babys breath, and cassis creates a gentle tribute. The basket container provides a homespun feel.

With hope, may these insights help you select blue funeral flowers that provide solace and honor your loved one‘s spirit. Please reach out if I can assist you in any way. Wishing you peace.

Your Friend,
[Your name]