A Guide to the Best Flowers for Funerals in Hong Kong
When selecting flowers for a funeral in Hong Kong, it's important to understand both traditional Chinese customs and contemporary practices that reflect the city's multicultural nature. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you choose appropriate floral arrangements.
Traditional Chinese Funeral Flowers
White Chrysanthemums The most traditional and widely accepted choice for Chinese funerals. White chrysanthemums symbolize grief, mourning, and respect for the deceased. They're considered the most appropriate flower for expressing condolences in Chinese culture.
White Lilies Particularly white Madonna lilies or white oriental lilies, these flowers represent the restored innocence of the soul after death. They're deeply meaningful in both Chinese and Western funeral traditions.
White Roses While roses are more commonly associated with Western traditions, white roses have become increasingly accepted in Hong Kong funerals. They symbolize reverence, humility, and new beginnings.
Colors and Their Meanings
Appropriate Colors:
White: Purity, peace, and mourning
Yellow: Respect and friendship (particularly yellow chrysanthemums)
Pale pink: Grace and gentleness
Light purple: Dignity and respect
Colors to Avoid:
Red: Associated with joy and celebration in Chinese culture
Bright colors: Generally considered inappropriate for mourning
Orange: Too vibrant for funeral settings
Popular Funeral Arrangements in Hong Kong
Wreaths (花圈) Large circular arrangements, often featuring white chrysanthemums as the base with accent flowers. These are commonly displayed at funeral venues and can include ribbon banners with messages of condolence.
Standing Sprays Tall, elegant arrangements on easels, suitable for placement near the casket or at the entrance of the funeral venue.
Casket Sprays Long arrangements designed to drape over the casket, typically reserved for immediate family members.
Basket Arrangements More modest options suitable for colleagues, friends, or acquaintances.
Cultural Considerations
Buddhist and Taoist Traditions These traditions generally favor simple, white flowers. Lotus flowers, while meaningful, are rarely used in funeral arrangements due to their association with rebirth rather than mourning.
Christian Funerals More variety is acceptable, including white lilies, roses, and mixed arrangements with soft colors.
Modern Hong Kong Practices Many families now blend Eastern and Western traditions, making mixed arrangements with white flowers and subtle accent colors increasingly common.
Practical Guidelines
Timing Flowers should be delivered to the funeral home or ceremony venue before the service begins. In Hong Kong, this is typically 1-2 hours before the scheduled time.
Message Cards Include a simple message card with your name and a brief condolence message in Chinese or English, depending on the family's preference.
Ordering and Delivery Many Hong Kong florists specialize in funeral arrangements and understand local customs. Order at least 24 hours in advance, and confirm the delivery address and timing.
Budget Considerations
Small basket arrangements: HK$200-500
Medium wreaths: HK$500-1,200
Large standing arrangements: HK$800-2,000
Premium casket sprays: HK$1,500-3,000+
Where to Order
Local florists throughout Hong Kong offer funeral services, with many providing same-day delivery to funeral homes in areas like Hung Hom, Kwai Chung, and other locations where services are commonly held.
When in doubt, white chrysanthemums remain the safest and most respectful choice for any funeral in Hong Kong. The gesture of sending flowers itself demonstrates your care and respect, regardless of the specific variety chosen. If you're unsure about family preferences or religious customs, consider consulting with the funeral director or a close family member for guidance.
