1. Why people send a condolence stand during funeral?
- Symbol of Respect and Honor: The stand honours the memory of the deceased, paying tribute to their life and acknowledging the impact they had on others.
- Offering Comfort: Flowers have a calming, uplifting effect, providing emotional support and showing the family that they are not alone in their grief.
- Expressing Sympathy: A condolence stand visually conveys heartfelt condolences when words alone may not suffice. It shows that the sender shares in the family's sorrow.
- Cultural Tradition: In many cultures, floral condolences are a traditional way to show compassion and respect. The flowers themselves often carry symbolic meanings, such as peace, purity, or remembrance.
2. What flowers are the more common one to be used in a condolence stand?
Condolence stands often feature flowers that symbolize peace, remembrance, and respect. Common flowers include
- Gerbera daisy (innocence and purity),
- Lilies (purity and peace),
- Hydrangea (grace and purity),
- Chrysanthemums (grief and remembrance),
- White/Champagne/Yellow roses (reverence and innocence),
- and Orchids (eternal love).
The choice of flowers can vary based on cultural norms or the family’s preferences.
3. Any colour that we should avoid when planning to send a condolence stand?
White is the most common colour for condolence arrangements, representing purity, peace, and condolence. Soft pastels or muted colours like pale pink, cream, and light blue are also used. Avoid bright, vibrant colours, as they may be seen as less suitable for mourning.
Example, Chinese culture, red and orange flowers are not typically sent because red and orange signifies good fortune.
4. When you mentioned that red/orange flowers are not the usual type to be sent,
why there are bright / vibrant colour of condolence stand spotted in a funeral?
In Chinese culture, we have something name 喜丧" (xǐsāng) in English can be
translated as "joyful funeral" or "celebratory funeral. 喜丧 refers to a funeral
held for someone who lived a long, fulfilling life, usually reaching an advanced age.
Unlike traditional sombre funerals, a 喜丧 is marked with a sense of celebration and
gratitude for the person’s life and achievements rather than intense mourning.
It’s a way for the family and community to honour the deceased’s legacy and
celebrate the many years they lived, often incorporating both respectful remembrance
and lighter, more positive aspects in the ceremony. This mentioned funeral is typically
reserved for someone who has reached the age of 80 or above, although in some
families or regions, it may start from 70 or 90 years old and above.
5. What type of stand style is appropriate to order?
Condolences stands can vary from simple to elaborate. Minimalist designs with understated elegance are generally preferred, but certain cultural contexts might call for more elaborate displays. Choose a style that matches the tone of the service and the family’s preference.
*Please note, this blog reflects BBJ Florist's perspective and may not represent the views or opinions of others
