Flowers

The symbolism of wreaths has been used at funerals since at least the time of Ancient Greece, to represent a circle of eternal life.

Evergreen wreaths were laid at the burial place of early Christian virgin martyrs in Europe, the evergreen representing the victory of the eternal spirit over death.

In early modern England, a wreath custom existed for the funerals of young maidens. A young woman of the same age as the one being mourned would lead the funeral procession, carrying a wreath of white flowers to represent the purity of the deceased, and that eternal crown of glory reserved for her in heaven.

By the Victorian era, the symbolism of flowers had grown to become an elaborate language, and the symbolism of funeral wreaths was no exception.

Flowers represented life and resurrection.
Specific flowers were used in funeral wreaths
to represent particular sentiments.

Cypress and willow were used for crafting wreath frames, and were associated with mourning by the Victorians.

Wreaths are commonly laid at the tombs of soldiers
and at memorial cenotaphs during Memorial Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Wreaths may also be laid in memory of persons lost at sea, either from an accident or due to navy action.

In a memorial service at sea, the wreath is
lowered to the water and set adrift.