Burial Flowers

Burial flowers have been used as long as there have been humans to bury and be buried. One grave in Shanidar Cave, dating to about 40,000 years ago, contained an immense bouquet, and when Tutankhamen’s tomb was first opened flowers that had strewn the burial chamber were visible. One wreath, inside the shrine on top of the outermost coffin, is believed to have been placed by his widow, Ankhesenamen.

Modern flowers should be chosen carefully to continue to look fresh for at least three or four days, so that they will serve at the viewing, the funeral, and the burial site. Enormous arrangements from casual or business acquaintances are in poor taste, but simple floral offerings are acceptable from anyone.

It is best if one arrangement is sent from everyone at the decedent’s workplace, rather than an assortment of arrangements from a number of work friends. Only family members should place flowers inside the casket before burial; those should consist of a single flower from each person, perhaps a rose from the decedent’s own garden.

Thought might be given, if the tastes of the deceased are known, to bouquets that might be taken to a convalescent center rather than discarded after the burial. Printed requests for “no flowers” should be honored; it may be that a family member has severe allergies. Requests for donations to specific charities in lieu of flowers also should be honored, as they certainly represent the preference of the deceased.