Remembering our departed… in the garden

November is a sacred period when Catholics remember and pray for the faithful departed. In November, the Church encourages acts of remembrance such as offering Masses for their souls, praying the rosary and visiting cemeteries to clean the grave of family members and carry flowers.

If you would like to pay tribute to those who have departed, you can also do so in your very own garden. In many parts of the world, families create small memorial corners in their gardens. Certain flowers carry deep symbolic meaning and are especially beautiful during November.

Chrysanthemums are used during All Souls’ observances, especially in Europe and the Caribbean. They symbolise honour and long-lasting love. The white and purple are most ideal.

Lilies are a classic symbol of resurrection and purity; white lilies remind us of eternal life. The peace lily represents peace, hope and the soul’s journey into God’s presence.

Planting these in a memorial bed or beneath a favourite tree transforms your garden into a quiet, prayerful space where the memory of loved ones bloom.

For an evergreen touch, juniper or small cypress can be planted to represent eternal life, steadfastness, and God’s unending mercy. You can also choose to place these in pots to control their sizes.

If you are visiting the grave of your departed, white roses can be carried or planted as they represent spiritual purity and the hope of resurrection. Anthuriums are hardy and long-lasting blooms that symbolise everlasting love, and orchids are often used for their resilience and beauty, representing the dignity of life.

If you wish to just carry flowers, bougainvillea branches are bright and vibrant in colour symbolising the triumph of life even in sorrow.

The month of the Holy Souls is a profound invitation to remembrance and hope. As we prepare for the Advent season, let’s take the time to not only care for our gardens, but for the memories of those we continue to hold close.

Send questions to rayannaboodram@hotmail.com.