Plants and flowers to remember the departed

The Catholic Church observes the celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and November 2 annually. During the month of November, Catholics are encouraged to say prayers for their departed, conduct acts of charity to commemorate their loved ones and most families tend to the graves of their departed along with lighting candles and leaving flowers.

Plants and flowers are significant as they symbolise purity and remembrance. This is a longstanding tradition as it represents respect, love, and remembrance for those who have died and honour their memory by showing that they are not forgotten.

The colour of the flowers used are symbolic. Common colours of flowers used include pink, orange, yellow and red. Pink flowers signify kindness, grace, gentleness, and love. They represent gratitude for the acts of service and loving personality of the deceased family member or friend.

Orange flowers paired with yellow express youthfulness and energy, hence orange flowers represent the life of someone with incredible confidence, bravery, courage, and determination.

They are ideal for someone who had such great passion and positivity.

Red flowers represent feelings of love and respect to a deceased. They are also often brought to articulate deep sorrow, bereavement, and grief.

The most common flower that is used are chrysanthemums (mums). They are popular because of their hardy nature and long-lasting blooms. This resilience makes them ideal for grave decorations, as they can withstand weather conditions and remain vibrant for an extended period.

Their blooms vary in colour including red, white, yellow, pink, purple and orange which makes them most suitable. They are also a very cost-effective option.

Roses, particularly white and red, are another popular option. Roses represent love, purity, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. They remind the faithful of the beauty of holiness and the virtue of the saints.

Lilies are symbolic in our Catholic community. White lilies are often associated with purity and resurrection, making them fitting for both saints and souls. Common varieties include the white lily also known as the Madonna lily as it is the most traditional flower associated with purity, virtue, and the Virgin Mary. Calla lilies can also be used as they are associated with holiness, faith, and purity. White lily arrangements are usually done to adorn the graves, reinforcing the message of hope and resurrection.

If you would like to utilise plants instead of floral arrangements, a popular option is the cypress. Not only does it stay green year-round representing hope, they are associated with mourning and reflection.

You can opt to plant the cypress in a pot and keep it near the grave. Another popular choice is the fern plant (Nephrolepis, asparagus fern, etc). Ferns signify sincerity and humility. Ivy, boxwood, and rosemary are also used.

Send questions to: rayannaboodram@hotmail.com