Tulips Talk

Ethnic Guidelines for Sympathy Flowers

January 24th, 2008

Have no idea which flowers are most accepted in certain cultures and religions? Then you’ve come to the right place.  this list will help you choose the perfect tribute to express your sympathy and love. Listed below are the types of flowers which are preferred, which to avoid (if any) and where the final tribute is customarily sent.

African

Religious Affiliation if any: Christian, Muslim, others

Types of flowers preferred are roses, carnations, lilies and tropical exotic bouquets

Color preferences or prohibitions for flowers: none

Where are the flowers customarily sent?  To the funeral home for Christian services and to the home for those of Muslim faith.

Arab

Religious Affiliation if any: Christian, Muslim, others

Types of flowers preferred are roses and carnations, 

Color preferences or prohibitions for flowers: none

Where are the flowers customarily sent?  To the funeral home for Christian services and to the home for those of Muslim faith.

Asian

Religious Affiliation if any: Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, others

Types of flowers preferred are chrysanthemums, lilies, orchids and gladioulas or stalk-like flowers (such as snapdragons and larkspur).

Color preferences or prohibitions for flowers: Chinese avoid red. Koreans prefer white and light yellow

Where are the flowers customarily sent?  To the funeral home for Buddhist and Christian services and to the home for those of Muslim faith.

Chaldean

Religious Affiliation if any: Christian (primarily Roman Catholic)

Types of flowers preferred are roses, carnations and lilies 

Color preferences or prohibitions for flowers: Red symbolizes love and loss; white flowers are used at children’s funeral services.

Where are the flowers customarily sent?  To the funeral home

Jewish

Religious Affiliation if any: Jewish

Types of flowers preferred are roses, snapdragons or gladioulas orchids and tropicals

Color preferences or prohibitions for flowers: none

Where are the flowers customarily sent?  To the home.

Hispanic

Religious Affiliation if any: Christian (primarily Roman Catholic) and others

Types of flowers preferred are roses, carnations, snapdragons or gladioulas orchids and tropicals

Color preferences or prohibitions for flowers: none

Where are the flowers customarily sent?  To the funeral home.

See also Funeral Flowers and Religion 

Find out more at Sympathy Etiquette FAQ’s

Entry Filed under: Flower Trivia, History of Flowers