What flowers are appropriate for asian funeral?

If you are unfamiliar with Asian customs, the following etiquette recommendations can assist you in selecting flowers for Asian funerals that convey a proper and sympathetic message.

Whenever you are thinking about or dealing with "Asian culture," it is essential to remember that this group is not homogeneous. There will always be unique religious and cultural traditions and beliefs amongst the family and deceased that you should take into consideration.

Additionally, keep the local customs and practices of both the deceased person and their family in mind during this time.

Flowers play a large role in funerary customs across many cultures, and each color of flower holds its own specific meaning. When sending flowers to an Eastern funeral service, white blooms are generally the safest bet, however, yellow chrysanthemums hold great significance in Chinese, Korean and Japanese customs.

Flowers for Asian Funerals: Specific Cultures

Chinese

• Color symbolism is especially significant in Chinese culture. Funeral flowers are no exception. While fresh cut flowers are lovely, artificial blooms may be used, particularly if you are traveling a long distance to attend the service.
• Good choices for flowers include lilies and chrysanthemums, particularly in white or yellow. According to most traditions, Chinese culture recognizes them as funeral flowers. Roses are acceptable but only in white.

Korean

• Companies and organizations usually give funeral flowers. These groups typically send grand flower displays with cascading ribbons. You are not required to provide flowers, but if you do white chrysanthemums express appropriate condolences.

Japanese

• Flowers are not a typical part of Japanese funerary customs. If you do decide to send them, however, you should observe appropriate etiquette. Yellow and white lilies and chrysanthemums are acceptable alternatives.
• The Japanese culture views "koden" as a more sympathy expression than flowers. Koden is basically a monetary gift to help with funeral expenses like large funeral wreaths called "hanawa." According to custom, they're burned along with the body.

Flowers for Asian Funerals: Keep the religious customs in mind.

When you are selecting flowers for an Asian funeral, take care to check which religious customs the deceased adhered to. Some popular religions in Asia include Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam.

• Buddhist: We recommend double-checking with the family to ensure that flowers are acceptable. White is the usual color of mourning because it's a sign of grief. Because red is connected with happiness, it isn't an option.
• Hindu: Flowers are an important element of the Hindu funeral ceremony, but they aren't sent to the family.
• Muslim: While some believe it is appropriate to send flowers for a Muslim funeral and others do not, we suggest you seek guidance from a religious leader if you would like to gift the family with flowers.

If you have questions or concerns about sending flowers to a burial in the Asian culture, please contact the funeral home or a family friend or relation who can provide further information.

A religious or spiritual advisor for the deceased's religion may also be an important source of information when deciding whether to offer funeral flowers as a gift.