A personal farewell

The loss of a family member, friend or acquaintance is difficult to bear for anyone. The central theme for the 1st and 2nd of November, namely All Saints' and All Souls' Day, is all about saying goodbye and remembering loved ones that have passed on, family as well as friends. Flowers are a part of these special moments in life and are also inextricably bound up with death. Flowers fit in beautifully with the serene ambiance of a funeral and provide some comfort and consolation to the bereaved. Flowers also symbolise the deep feelings and emotions that are part of the ceremonies involved.

In the past, funeral flowers usually included roses, carnations and anthuriums but these days increasingly more chrysanthemums find their way into wreaths and arrangements. Of course, white is an often used colour as it stands for purity, but shades of pink and purple also help create a beautiful colour contrast. The latest trend in funereal flower arranging is to use colour to create more appropriate wreaths and sprays. Arrangement with white as the dominant colour may sometimes look a bit sterile. Although serenity and a longing for bygone days prevail, a little ray of sunshine will make these breathtakingly beautiful shades come into their own, providing a brief moment of reflection worth cherishing.