Flowers through the ages

Flowers and Funerals – the two have gone together since… well, according to some sources, since 62,000 BC.

Radiocarbon dating performed on ancient graves has shown them to be lined with fragrant wild flowers such as mints and figwort. Other discoveries of ancient burial sites have revealed wildflower pollen and flower fragments in the soil samples indicating flowers were placed around the grave and on the deceased.

All of this conjures up quite the floral fragrant scene of an aesthetically pleasing burial site. But the reality is a bit different. So while it probably did all look quite lovely, the role of these pretty fragrant flowers was to mask the odour of decaying bodies. For the same reason, perfumed flowers were also placed over the deceased’s body during the embalming preparation process, with the quantities and types of flowers varying according to tradition and the climate.

Happily, the need to deal with these unpleasant smells through scented flowers is no longer required and today flowers have a more symbolic meaning. We send them to families and friends as an expression of sympathy and support.  They’re often chosen for their colour or type and arranged in such a way to be impressive, modest, dignified, or to show status.

In funeral services the large floral sprays placed over the coffin or casket is probably a remnant of the old times when this was done for practical reasons. Now these arrangements are beautifully designed and structured and may match the flowers in the venue, bringing warmth and a sense of brightness to an otherwise sombre occasion.

At H.Parsons we see some families preferring bright and cheerful colours for their arrangements and casket covers. If they’re unsure, we suggest they think of their loved one’s favourite colour or ask if they had a favourite type of flower such as a lily or an orchid. Roses are the perennial favourite, but harder to come by post COVID, unfortunately meaning they can be cost prohibitive. Natives are also popular due to their longevity and their connection to Australia.

What happens to the flowers after the service? Some families will invite guests to take individual sprigs from the arrangements as a memento or keep the flowers for drying and pressing as an ongoing tribute to their loved one.

And the arrangements left over? With the permission of the family, at H.Parsons we donate these to floristry students at a local TAFE. This wonderful partnership has created the Flower Reach Project, an initiative that has been in place for over a year now.  The Flower Reach Project allows students to flex their creativity on these donated floral arrangements, breathing new life and purpose to the original donation. The cycle continues as these are then gifted to local aged care facilities, often bringing a smile to a resident’s face.

H.Parsons has chapels in Bulli, Wollongong, Warilla and Dapto. Phone 4228 9622 or visit hparsons.com.au