Flowers are often used to express different emotions and sentiments, such as love, joy, gratitude, or sympathy. However, some flowers have a darker meaning and are associated with death, mourning, or grief. In this article, we will explore some of the unique flowers that mean death and why they are suitable for this purpose. We will also mention how easy they are to care for, in case you want to grow them in your garden or send them as a gift.
Flowers That Mean Death
Death is a universal phenomenon that has inspired many symbols and meanings throughout history and culture. Some of the most common symbols of death are flowers, as they can express different emotions and messages related to the end of life. For example, the chrysanthemum is a flower of death symbol in many Asian countries, as it signifies sorrow and lamentation. The cypress vine is another symbol of death flower, as it is often planted in cemeteries and graveyards, representing mourning and loss. The poppy is a red flower symbol of death, as it is used to commemorate the fallen soldiers and victims of war, symbolizing sacrifice and peace.
Some flowers can also represent death of a loved one, such as the carnation, which conveys love and devotion, or the rosemary, which symbolizes memory and friendship. On the other hand, some flowers can represent peace after death, such as the marigold, which symbolizes the sun and the soul, or the goldenrod, which symbolizes farewell and abundance.
1. Chrysanthemum Meaning in Death: The Flower of Sorrow and Lamentation
Chrysanthemums, particularly the white variety, hold a significant place in Asian cultures such as China, Japan, and Korea, where they are often associated with death. In several European nations, including Belgium, Italy, France, and Austria, chrysanthemums symbolize death. They are given as a token of comfort, grief, or bereavement.
These flowers are used to pay tribute to the departed and convey sympathy, embodying feelings of grief, sorrow, and the conclusion of life. They are frequently incorporated into funeral wreaths and arrangements due to their perceived purifying and safeguarding qualities. Despite their somber symbolism, chrysanthemums are also recognized as flowers that represent friendship. They are relatively simple to cultivate, requiring only a sunny location, well-draining soil, and regular hydration.
2. Cypress Vine Meaning in Death: The Flower of the Dead and Mourning
Cypress vine is a climbing plant that produces star-shaped flowers in red, pink, or white colors. It is native to Mexico and Central America, but it has been introduced to other regions as an ornamental plant. Cypress vine is a flower that represents death, as it is often planted in cemeteries and graveyards. It symbolizes mourning, sadness, and loss. Cypress vine is also known as the “flower of the dead”, as it is said to attract the souls of the departed during the Day of the Dead festival.
In Christianity, cypress trees have been associated with mourning and eternal life. This symbolism extends to the cypress vine, connecting it to the concepts of life after death and the everlasting cycle of nature. Cypress vine is a fast-growing and low-maintenance plant, as it can adapt to different soils and climates. It only needs moderate water and sun exposure.
3. Gladiolus Meaning in Death: The Flower of Strength and Remembrance
Gladiolus is a tall and striking flower that comes in various colors, such as red, yellow, pink, purple, or white. It is native to Africa, Europe, and Asia, but it has been cultivated worldwide as a cut flower. Gladiolus is a flower that represents death, as it is often used in funeral arrangements and memorial services. Also Greeks believe that the gladiolus represents the soul of the deceased. It is also associated with remembrance and is frequently included in funeral arrangements.
It symbolizes strength, courage, loyalty, and remembrance. Gladiolus is also associated with the Roman gladiators, who fought to the death in the arena. Gladiolus is a relatively easy flower to care for, as it only needs well-drained soil, full sun, and occasional fertilizer. However, it is susceptible to pests and diseases, so it should be monitored regularly.
4. Carnation Meaning in Death: The Flower of Love and Sorrow
Carnations, with their fragrant and ruffled petals, come in a spectrum of colors including red, pink, white, yellow, and purple. Originating from Europe and Asia, they have been embraced globally as a favored cut flower. Carnations symbolize death and are commonly used in funeral wreaths and caskets, symbolizing love, admiration, devotion, and sorrow. The color of the carnation can further refine its meaning. For instance, red carnations represent deep love and grief, while white carnations symbolize innocence and purity. As one of the flowers that represent family, carnations are durable and long-lasting, capable of thriving in various conditions and climates. Their care involves well-drained soil, partial sunlight, and regular watering.
5. Marigold Meaning in Death: The Flower of the Sun and the Soul
Marigold is a bright and cheerful flower that comes in shades of yellow, orange, or gold. It is native to Mexico and Central America, but it has been grown worldwide as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Marigold is a flower that represents death, as it is widely used in the Day of the Dead celebrations. It symbolizes the sun, the light, and the warmth that guide the souls of the deceased. Marigold is also believed to have healing and protective powers, as it can ward off evil spirits and insects. Marigold is a hardy and resilient flower, as it can thrive in poor soils and harsh environments. It only needs full sun and moderate water.
6. Monkey Orchid Meaning in Death: The Flower of Wisdom and Immortality
Monkey orchid is a rare and exotic flower that resembles the face of a monkey. It is native to the cloud forests of Ecuador and Peru, but it has been cultivated by orchid enthusiasts around the world. Monkey orchid is a flower that represents death, as it is linked to the legend of the Monkey King, a mythical figure who died and was resurrected several times. It symbolizes wisdom, mischief, humor, and immortality. Monkey orchid is also known as the “flower of the dead”, as it emits a strong fragrance that resembles a corpse. Monkey orchid is a challenging and demanding flower to grow, as it requires high humidity, cool temperatures, and indirect light. It also needs regular misting and fertilizing.
7. Poppy Meaning in Death: The Flower of Sacrifice and Peace
Poppy is a delicate and graceful flower that comes in colors like red, pink, white, or purple. It is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, but it has been spread worldwide as a wildflower and a crop. Poppy is a flower that represents death, as it is often used to commemorate the fallen soldiers and victims of war. It symbolizes sacrifice, honor, peace, and sleep. Poppy is also associated with the opium poppy, which produces a narcotic substance that can induce euphoria, pain relief, or death. Poppy is a simple and elegant flower to grow, as it only needs well-drained soil, full sun, and occasional water. However, it is prone to wilting and fading, so it should be harvested or enjoyed quickly.
8. Rosemary Meaning in Death: The Flower of Memory and Friendship
Rosemary is an aromatic and evergreen herb that produces small blue flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region, but it has been cultivated worldwide as a culinary and medicinal plant. Rosemary flowers are flowers that represent death, as it is often used to adorn graves and tombs. It symbolizes memory, fidelity, friendship, and sorrow. In some cultures, mourners hold rosemary sprigs and threw them into the coffins.
Rosemary is also said to have magical and spiritual properties, as it can enhance memory, ward off evil, and attract love. Rosemary is a versatile and easy-to-grow plant, as it can tolerate different soils and climates. It only needs well-drained soil, full sun, and occasional pruning.
9. Wolfsbane Meaning in Death: The Flower of Danger and Revenge
Wolfsbane is a poisonous and deadly flower that produces hooded blooms in purple, blue, or yellow colors. It is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been introduced to other regions as a garden plant. Wolfsbane is a flower that represents death, as it is often used to kill or harm animals and humans. It symbolizes danger, deception, hatred, and revenge. Wolfsbane is also known as the “flower of the werewolf”, as it is said to induce madness, transformation, or death in those who ingest it. Wolfsbane is a difficult and risky plant to grow, as it requires moist soil, partial shade, and careful handling. It should be kept away from children, pets, and wildlife.
10. Goldenrod Meaning in Death: Good Luck in Death and Immortality
Goldenrod is a bright and cheerful flower that produces clusters of yellow blooms. It is native to North America, but it has been naturalized in other regions as a wildflower and a weed. Goldenrod is a flower that represents death, as it is often used to mark the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. It symbolizes farewell, change, harvest, and abundance. Goldenrod is also said to have healing and cleansing properties, as it can treat wounds, infections, and allergies. Goldenrod is a vigorous and adaptable plant, as it can grow in various soils and conditions. It only needs full sun and moderate water.