Flowers in the cemetery are traditionally considered one of the aspects of honoring the dead. In general, flowers, as a symbol of something growing and vital, often become symbols in our lives. And death is no exception. Funeral processions are accompanied by wreaths, and funeral visits are also rarely complete without them.

There are also purely traditional flowers, for example, willow branches or carnations, which are often considered monuments to veterans and war victims. So flowers for a cemetery are also a symbol, a wiring between our world and the afterlife.

Let's figure out what flowers can be worn to the grave, used in the funeral procession, and also used as part of the improvement of the grave site of a deceased loved one.

Bouquets for funerals

Let's immediately make two important notes: you should not bring lush bouquets to the funeral, the number of plants in which exceeds 12. A modest couple will be much more appropriate. The design of the bouquet should also not be pretentious. Moreover, often at funerals the bouquets brought are taken apart and placed in the grave.

The second is the color scheme. It is necessary to do without bright bouquets collected from yellow, cream, pink and orange shades. Dark tones, blue, deep purple, red, burgundy would be more appropriate here. White will also work.

How many flowers should I bring to the grave? Pair quantity, no more than 12. The traditional option is 2 flowers. This mystical number is connected for a reason. There are many legends. One of them: one flower is given to a deceased loved one, the second to God or a guardian angel.

Fresh flowers

Fresh flowers are often used both for funerals and for subsequent laying on the grave. You can buy them at any flower kiosk. The main thing to remember is the two rules given above - neutral color bouquet and pair quantity.

As for specific types of plants, our people traditionally consider the following to be mourning:

• White lilies. They are especially suitable for giving to women or girls.
• Chrysanthemums
• Red carnations. They are often used as a symbol of remembrance on the graves of war veterans and monuments to the victims of these disasters. One of the symbols of the May 9 holidays in the post-Soviet space
• Dark red roses. They are more suitable for those who want to pay tribute to the memory of a deceased loved one, because the rose is considered a symbol of love and pure passion. But also suitable for other cases

We should also talk about the favorite plants of the deceased. If he was very close to you and you know his preferences, then you can offer these flowers, even regardless of the mourning shade.

Wreaths and vases

The funeral wreath is an important part of the funeral procession. Wreaths are carried in front of the coffin and are also laid at the grave. Typically, wreaths are given from loved ones, from a group of friends, a team, or colleagues in a particular occupation.

Artificial flowers are more often used in wreaths than real ones. But they can also be used. An artificial wreath will last a long time without losing its shape or color. Often a photo of the deceased and a mourning ribbon are attached to the wreath. Usually this is black material, with a signature indicating who it came from, for example, from colleagues, from friends, and so on. In wreaths, the main thing is the color of the composition. Usually they are made of a dark green color, like a Christmas tree, and the plastic plants themselves are painted in the mourning colors that we talked about above.

Often, as part of the improvement of the grave, a special mourning vase is installed on the site. Then the brought plants can be placed there, rather than placed on the grave. It's worth making sure there is enough water, especially if you're in a hot climate.

You can view wreaths and mourning vases on our website in the “Ritual Goods” section. We work in Minsk, and for any questions you can contact us by phone numbers listed on the website.

Growing flowers

To decorate a burial beautifully and bring a touch of life into it, many people plant flowers on the site. To do this, use flower beds made of granite or marble, or you can simply plant them in an earthen mound or corner of the site. The main thing here is not to overdo it and not let the entire grave become covered with vegetation.

First you need to decide on the soil. It can be sandy, clayey or black earth. Black soil predominates in Belarus, and it helps flowers grow very well. As for other types of soil, it is worth choosing unpretentious plants.

Plants for cultivation are divided into three types:

• Carpets. This type grows very tightly together and literally covers the soil with itself. It looks very beautiful and bright. It would be nice to add periwinkle here. This plant does not allow weeds to grow and protects the grave from the interference of other species. It is important to monitor the growth of the carpet and not let it spread to neighboring areas. Not everyone may like this.
• Beams. Usually these are those flowers that grow from one point and have buds. Here we include irises and daffodils. In general, the iris is considered a mourning flower, due to its color scheme and customs.
• Trees. Perhaps the most durable method of vegetation. These include juniper, aspen and thin birch. It is important not to use trees with large roots, as they can damage both the area of ​​your deceased and the neighboring one. Birch is great if your climate allows it. Aspen will be thin and graceful, with proper care.

Other colorful plants suitable for growing in a cemetery include echinacea, calendula, forget-me-nots, daffodils, tulips, daisies and snowdrops. Here you should focus on seasonality and the type of soil under the grave you need.

Resume

Let's summarize briefly:

• You should take flowers in neutral shades with you to a funeral. Avoid brightly colored leaves. White lilies, carnations, dark roses, and chrysanthemums are suitable. If you know what the deceased's favorite look was, then you can assign it, regardless of color
• Do not take furry bouquets in bright wrapping. The quantity should not exceed 12 stems. Bring only paired stems: two, four, six, etc.
• Red roses are suitable for loved ones
• Wreaths made from artificial sheets should also not be bright. Mourning ribbon is usually black, with a gold or white signature
• Plants can be grown on the grave, depending on the type of soil
• If you want to plant a tree, then choose only those that have small roots. Otherwise you will damage the area

Many people wonder: why do they put an even number of flowers on the grave and where did this tradition come from? There are several opinions on this matter:

1. More in Ancient Rus' For fallen soldiers who defended their homeland from enemy invasion, two flowers were placed on the grave.
2. According to pagan belief, an even number is a symbol of evil and death. It’s not for nothing that they say “trouble does not come alone.” Perhaps this was the reason for the emergence of the custom of giving to the living odd number flowers, and dead - even.
3. Many ancient cultures associated even numbers with completeness and completeness. In the case of a funeral, this may indicate an end life path. All odd numbers except 13 symbolized happiness, joy, movement and life.
4. The ancient Pythogoreans considered odd numbers to personify goodness, light and life, and unpaired numbers - death, grief, disappointment.
5. Two flowers are placed on the grave: one is intended for the deceased, and the second is for God or a guardian angel.
6. Some believe that an odd number of flowers is given to the living “up to a couple,” and since the person has died and thus he becomes “married” to death, he is presented with an odd number.

Not in all countries is it customary to give people an unpaired number of flowers for their birthday or any other holiday. For example, in the USA, Europe and some Eastern countries, the birthday boy or hero of the day is presented with a bouquet with an odd number of flowers in the bouquet, without considering this something strange and frightening.

If there are more than ten flowers in the bouquet, then no attention is paid to their number (even or not).

Many people, going to a funeral, do not know which flowers are better to buy: fresh or artificial. Different ones are also placed on the grave. It all depends on a person's personal preferences. Of the fresh flowers, the following are considered mourning:

1. White chrysanthemums, which are often brought to deceased friends. This flower symbolizes openness, sincerity and friendship.
2. White lilies symbolizing purity. They are often placed on the graves of girls and young women.
3. Red carnations are appropriate on the grave of a person who was highly respected among his circle. These could be mentors, teachers and managers. These flowers express their respect. They are also placed at monuments dedicated to military actions.
4. Dark red roses are a symbol of sorrow and living blood. They are placed on the graves of tragically dead people.

There must be an even number of flowers in the bouquet. They need to be placed with the buds towards the head of the deceased.

Artificial flowers, rather than real ones, are much more popular. This is because they retain their original appearance for a long time, and the living ones already wither and dry out on the second day, after which they look very untidy on the grave.

And in general, artificial flowers are traditionally considered mourning. You can decorate your grave with them at any time of the year. Today you can buy both a wreath and just a bouquet. It is worth remembering that wreaths are usually laid on the day of the funeral; it is not customary to bring them on the anniversary and birthday of the deceased.

What to plant in a cemetery?

Funerals are a sad but inevitable part of our lives, which every person has to go through. An obligatory part of the funeral tradition is laying flowers at the coffin of the deceased or on his grave. At the same time, there are certain rules that should be followed when composing a funeral bouquet. There are many nuances to this issue, for example, it is recommended to take into account the age of the deceased, his religion, the customs of the society in which he lived, and even his gender. But some general points can be highlighted. For example, here are the flowers that are brought to a man’s funeral.

Funeral flowers for men

Traditional flowers for funerals are asters or chrysanthemums, as well as callas. A more exotic option is orchids, but in Russia they are not very common and are not found so often. Wildflowers such as cornflowers are also acceptable. The most common option is carnations, which can be replaced with fudge, irises or hydrangea. Roses are also suitable for such a mournful occasion, but in this case it is necessary to give preference to flowers of strict muted shades.

Speaking about what flowers are brought to a man’s funeral, florists say that the most the right choice in this case, the species that the deceased loved during his lifetime will become exactly those species. Such a bouquet will be the best tribute to a person who has passed away. But, if he preferred bright colors, it is better to refuse such a decision and use one of the options above.

White callas

Color range

An immutable rule for organizing a funeral procession is to use colors of a cold palette, since too bright warm colors have been associated with positive, joyful emotions from time immemorial. The most preferred color is yellow. It traditionally symbolizes sadness from parting, so it would be most appropriate in a cemetery. Only don't choose too much bright shades , it is better to give preference dark tones yellow, or even better, make a bouquet of orange flowers.

Red flowers are also suitable for this occasion. If a bouquet with a predominance of red shades is presented to a living person, then this is considered to be a gesture of love, a manifestation of passion. But When we're talking about about funerals, red is considered to represent suffering that a person had to endure during his life.

The question of what flowers are brought to a man’s funeral has its own taboos. Under no circumstances should it be used for such situations. pink flowers or delicate shades of red. In addition, you should pay attention to the smell of flowers - It is better to refuse specimens that have a subtle delicate aroma.

Rules for composing a bouquet

One of the main issues associated with composing bouquets for a funeral ceremony is the size of the composition. Tradition dictates that an even number of flowers should be brought to the coffin of the deceased. Experts say that this custom has its roots in medieval Rus', the inhabitants of which laid exactly two flowers on the grave: one for the deceased, the second for God. According to another version, the explanation lies in the fact that even numbers are considered symbols of peace and tranquility. At the same time, odd numbers mean development and movement towards success. There are also restrictions in terms of the maximum quantity - 8 pieces.

It should be noted here that in culture European peoples there is no such feature, they simply don’t pay attention to it, but in Georgia, for example, things are exactly the opposite - they give an even number to the living, and an odd number to the dead. All these nuances should be taken into account when deciding what flowers to bring to a man’s funeral.

The question often arises: what to choose, a fresh bouquet or artificial flowers. Despite the fragility of live compositions, they are still considered more suitable for mournful events - thereby the participants seem to convey the warmth of their souls to the deceased, which indicates the affection of family, friends and relatives.

As for the color scheme of the funeral bouquet, more strict monochromatic compositions look preferable here. If you still choose multi-colored bouquets, then you should not get carried away with the brightness - there should be no more than three shades. Otherwise, the composition will look motley and clumsy, which does not correspond to the general atmosphere of the funeral.

Another important point - flowers intended for laying on the grave must be unwrapped. This also applies to various decorative elements that are widely used for other occasions. In the case of a funeral, decorations are understandably inappropriate. In extreme situations, it is allowed to use a small black mourning ribbon as a bandage so that the bouquet does not fall apart and is compact.

So, if you are interested in what flowers are brought to a man’s funeral? , That There are four main points to keep in mind:

1. The number of flowers must be even - no more than 8 pieces in a bouquet;
2. Preference is given to a cold palette and calm, restrained tones;
3. It is better if the composition is monochromatic, at least not variegated;
4. The use of wrapping and other decorative elements of decoration is not allowed.

As for specific names, then best choice there will be carnations, asters, chrysanthemums, callas and orchids.

Number of colors – hot topic, which comes up every time you have to go to a funeral. IN different countries there are long-standing local traditions, prescribing to bring an even or odd number of ritual flowers.

For example, in Europe, the USA, and some Eastern countries, it is believed that an even number symbolizes pairing. In particular, 2 roses are given on a date. Thus, the union of a man and a woman in love is emphasized. On the contrary, an odd number of colors speaks of unsettled personal life and loneliness.

In Russia the situation is the opposite. It is customary to come to a funeral with an even number of flowers tied mourning ribbon. The same principles are followed in some eastern countries.

At the same time, ritual wreaths and baskets consist of large quantity various colors, the total number of which is unknown. Even according to floristic canons, flowers in excess of 10 are no longer counted individually and are perceived as a whole as a bouquet.

What is the reason for the tradition of bringing an odd number of flowers to funerals?

According to legend, even numbers are a pre-Christian symbol of death and evil. Even numbers are stability, peace, symbolizing dead, motionless matter. An odd number is characterized by unevenness, a certain liveliness - everything that people endow with movement, and therefore life.

What to do if you have to go to the funeral of a European and you are not sure how many flowers will be appropriate? In case of confusion, it is recommended to buy a ritual wreath. They are compiled by professional florists and will certainly help you avoid awkward situations associated with offering individual flowers.

In this case, floral arrangements in baskets are also good. The large and varied composition of these arrangements is carefully selected in accordance with ritual traditions, and will not give rise to doubt.

Laying flowers on a grave is a ritual that is common in the CIS and many other countries. Flowers are brought and placed on the grave with buds to the head of the deceased or placed in a vase.

Every time you visit the burial site of the deceased, bring flowers with you. It is also customary to leave sweets, lit lamps, and a glass of alcohol near the gravestone. This is a tribute to memory and a symbol of respect for the soul of the deceased. Do not forget to remove flower arrangements that have become unusable.

Fresh or artificial flowers for the grave

Bouquets of living, flowering plants look impressive, but too quickly lose their fresh appearance and wither. Often, fresh flowers are laid on Radunitsa on the day of the funeral, on the 40th day after the burial. Unlike plastic options, fresh flowers do not clog environment: sooner or later, plastic products are taken to a landfill and burned.

The main advantage of artificial plants is the ability to maintain their original appearance for a long time. Among non-natural models it is easy to find scarce flowers at any time of the year. They are sold individually or in the form of a ritual composition: wreaths, baskets.

The Church speaks out against artificial plants because they pollute the environment. Plastic takes more than 100 years to decompose, and when burned, it releases harmful substances into the air.

What flowers to put on the grave

For women and girls, flowers of red, white, and pink shades are chosen. yellow flowers rarely used for laying in a cemetery. Dark burgundy roses are appropriate for both an elderly woman and a man. For representatives of the stronger half of humanity, flowers of dark shades are usually chosen.

Basically, they bring to the cemetery:

• roses;
• carnations;
• chrysanthemums;
• lilies;
• orchids;
• feces;
• bush roses.

White flowers are brought to the graves of those who left too early, in at a young age. Chrysanthemum is a symbol of friendship. Therefore, it should be placed on a monument to someone with whom you had friendly relations.

You can neglect some rules if the deceased had favorite flowers that are not included in the list of traditionally placed on the grave. If your grandmother was crazy about white roses, you should bring them to the grave.

Even or odd number

How many flowers should I bring to the grave? Choose any quantity, from 2 plants to 12. In the CIS countries, it is customary to bring an even number of flowers to the grave. The tradition developed at a time when people attached mystical meaning to numbers. An even number is associated with the completion of something, in in this case - human life. Once upon a time, two flowers were brought to fallen soldiers: one was intended for the deceased, the second for God.

Planting flowers on the grave

An alternative to cut or artificial flowers is to plant plants in the ground. Many monuments are sold with a special flower garden in which plants are planted. These can be bulbs (hyacinths, daffodils, lilies of the valley), wildflowers (marigolds, salvias, zinnias), chrysanthemums, geraniums and other flowers. Often low coniferous plants are planted on the grave.

If you have the opportunity to regularly visit the grave to care for plants, this option is for you. Living, flowering plants are a well-groomed appearance of the site, evidence of the respect of relatives for the memory of the deceased. Plants should be planted in the spring, then weeds removed regularly during the warm season.

To plant plants on the grave, order a monument with a flower bed. In the catalog of our website you will find various configurations of tombstones that have a special element for planting plants next to the slab.