In Filipino culture, sending sympathy flowers is more than just a gesture of condolence, it’s a deeply rooted tradition that speaks volumes about our respect for the departed and support for the bereaved family. As someone who has attended numerous Filipino funerals and witnessed the beautiful array of floral arrangements that adorn these solemn occasions, I’ve come to appreciate how each flower carries its own special meaning and message of comfort.
The practice of sending sympathy flowers in the Philippines blends Catholic traditions with local customs, creating a unique expression of solidarity during times of loss. Understanding which flowers are appropriate and what they symbolize can help you convey your condolences more meaningfully. Let’s explore the most popular sympathy flowers in the Philippines and their profound symbolism.
Understanding Sympathy Flowers in Filipino Culture
When it comes to expressing condolences in the Philippines, flowers play a central role in funeral ceremonies and wakes. The tradition dates back generations, combining Spanish Catholic influences with local Filipino customs. Before we dive into specific flowers, let’s understand their significance in our culture:
Color Symbolism in Filipino Funeral Flowers
| Color | Meaning | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|
| White | Purity and Peace | Most traditional choice |
| Yellow | Friendship and Remembrance | Close friends of the deceased |
| Pink | Admiration and Grace | Often used for female deceased |
| Purple | Dignity and Respect | Formal arrangements |
10 Most Popular Sympathy Flowers in the Philippines
1. White Lilies (Azucena)
Often called the “funeral flower,” white lilies symbolize the restoration of the departed soul’s innocence. In Filipino culture, these flowers are particularly meaningful as they represent the Virgin Mary’s purity. They’re commonly used in both Catholic and non-Catholic services.
Fresh & Long-Lasting: Shipped in their bud stage to ensure easy transport and extended bloom time. The flowers fully open within 2â??3 days after arrival.
Gift Note: Ensure your gift includes a personal message for the recipient by checking off the option at checkout.
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Fresh & Long-Lasting: Flowers are shipped in bud form to maintain freshness and extend their bloom life. They will fully open within 2â??3 days after delivery.
Gift Note: Add a personalized message for the recipient by selecting the gift note option at checkout.
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2. Chrysanthemums (Krysantemum)
White chrysanthemums are extensively used in Filipino funeral services. While in some cultures they represent joy, in the context of Filipino funerals, they symbolize honor and deep respect for the deceased. They’re often arranged in standing sprays or wreaths.
3. White Roses (Rosas)
Representing purity and innocence, white roses are a classic choice for Filipino funeral arrangements. They’re often combined with lilies to create elegant sympathy bouquets. Local florists typically recommend these for their timeless appeal and availability year-round.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly: The vase is made from 100% recycled material by a small family-operated business, ensuring an environmentally friendly touch to your floral gift. Flowers are shipped in recyclable packaging for added sustainability.
Perfect Gift for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, sympathy, anniversary, congratulations, or a “just because” gift, this bouquet is a thoughtful choice for any event. Don?t forget to select “This is a gift” at checkout for a personalized message.
Long-Lasting Freshness: Flowers are harvested in bud form to ensure longevity and bloom beautifully over time. The Aquabloom foam arrangement keeps them hydrated during shipping for extended freshness.
Quality Guarantee: Adjustments may be made to ensure the freshest product, with some variation in color due to availability.
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Fresh & Long-Lasting: Flowers are shipped in bud form to ensure longer-lasting blooms. Expect them to fully open within 2-3 days for a stunning floral display.
Secure Shipping: The flowers are carefully packed in a specially designed box to ensure safe transit and protection during delivery.
Perfect for Every Occasion: Ideal for birthdays, sympathy gestures, Valentine?s Day, Mother?s Day, or simply as a thoughtful gift.
Gift Note Option: Personalize your bouquet by selecting “This is a gift” at checkout and adding a custom message.
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4. Orchids (Orkidyas)
Philippines being rich in orchid varieties, these elegant flowers are a popular choice for sympathy arrangements. White or purple orchids symbolize eternal love and sympathy, making them particularly appropriate for expressing condolences.
5. Carnations (Klabel)
White carnations represent pure love and innocence, while pink carnations symbolize remembrance. These affordable yet meaningful flowers are often used in mass arrangements at Filipino wakes.
Peak Freshness Guaranteed: Flowers are delivered fresh to your doorstep, ensuring long-lasting beauty.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a birthday, anniversary, get well, sympathy, congratulations, or just because, this bouquet makes a thoughtful gift.
Personalized Gift Option: Add a personal message at checkout to make your gift even more special.
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Farm-to-Door Freshness: Shipped straight from the farm, ensuring peak freshness and longer-lasting blooms.
Perfect for Events & Gifting: Ideal for birthdays, sympathy arrangements, Valentine?s Day, Mother?s Day, weddings, and large floral displays.
Versatile Floral Choice: White carnations symbolize love, remembrance, and purity, making them suitable for both celebrations and memorials.
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6. Peace Lily (Lirio de Paz)
This plant is particularly significant in Filipino culture as it symbolizes the restoration of peace and tranquility. It’s often given as a potted plant that the bereaved family can keep long after the funeral.
7. Anthuriums
Though not traditionally associated with funerals, these tropical flowers are increasingly popular in Filipino sympathy arrangements due to their durability and heart-shaped leaves symbolizing sincere emotion.
Ideal Size: Measures 3.15 x 3.15 x 9.75 inches, making it a perfect display piece for memorial tributes and home decor.
Durable & Dishwasher Safe: The permanent decal ensures longevity, and the vase is dishwasher safe for easy maintenance.
Thoughtful Bereavement Gift: A lasting alternative to funeral flowers, suitable for all age groups and a meaningful tribute for a loved one.
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Perfect for Memorial Services & Home Tributes: A meaningful bereavement or sympathy gift, ideal for celebration of life ceremonies and as a cherished keepsake.
Lasting Alternative to Flowers: Instead of traditional funeral flowers, this vase serves as a long-lasting tribute to honor a beloved life.
Versatile Display: Can be used in remembrance spaces, on mantelpieces, or as a centerpiece to hold fresh or artificial flowers.
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8. White Gladiolus
Representing strength of character and moral integrity, gladioli are often used in standing sprays at Filipino funerals. Their tall, stately appearance makes them perfect for formal arrangements.
9. Sampaguita (Arabian Jasmine)
As the national flower of the Philippines, sampaguita holds special significance. While not commonly used alone, it’s often incorporated into sympathy arrangements to represent purity and remembrance.
10. White Daisies
Symbolizing innocence and purity, white daisies are often used in smaller sympathy arrangements or combined with other white flowers for a more substantial display.
Fresh Cut & Long-Lasting: Flowers are shipped in bud form to ensure maximum vase life and will fully bloom within 2-3 days after arrival.
Perfect for Any Occasion: A great gift for birthdays, thank you gestures, Valentines Day, Mothers Day, and other celebrations.
Personalized Gift Option: Ensure the recipient knows who sent the bouquet by selecting “This is a gift” at checkout.
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Low Maintenance: No water required, no leaves to clean upperfect for long-term floral decor.
Versatile Use: Ideal for sympathy arrangements, home decor, gravesites, or as a thoughtful gift.
Weather-Resistant Design: Crafted to withstand outdoor elements, making it a durable choice for memorials or seasonal decor.
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Practical Guide to Ordering Sympathy Flowers
Price Range Guide
| Arrangement Type | Price Range (PHP) | Typical Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Bouquet | 2,000 – 3,500 | Mixed white flowers |
| Standing Spray | 4,000 – 7,000 | Lilies, roses, chrysanthemums |
| Wreath | 3,500 – 6,000 | Mixed flowers with ribbon |
| Premium Arrangement | 8,000 – 15,000 | Exotic flowers, custom design |
Ordering Tips
– Order at least 24 hours in advance for standard arrangements
– Provide complete delivery details including wake schedule
– Verify the funeral venue’s flower acceptance times
– Include a sympathy message card
– Confirm if the family has specific flower preferences
Filipino Funeral Flower Etiquette
Essential guidelines to follow when sending sympathy flowers in the Philippines:
– Timing: Send flowers as soon as you hear about the passing
– Placement: Standing sprays and wreaths go directly to the wake venue
– Message: Keep condolence messages simple and heartfelt
– Color Choice: White is always appropriate
– Size: Consider the relationship with the deceased when choosing arrangement size
Regional Considerations
Different regions in the Philippines may have varying customs:
– Metro Manila: More formal arrangements preferred
– Provincial Areas: Simpler arrangements accepted
– Muslim Regions: Confirm if flowers are appropriate
– Rural Areas: Consider locally available flowers
Conclusion
Choosing the right sympathy flowers in the Philippines requires understanding both cultural significance and practical considerations. Whether you opt for traditional white lilies or incorporate local favorites like sampaguita, your thoughtful selection will convey your sincere condolences. Remember that while the type of flower matters, it’s your gesture of support and sympathy that truly counts during these difficult times.
Key Takeaways
- White flowers are the most traditional and universally accepted choice for Filipino funerals
- Consider local customs and religious preferences when selecting sympathy flowers
- Timing and proper delivery are crucial aspects of sending sympathy flowers
- Personal messages should accompany flower arrangements to express sincere condolences
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to send sympathy flowers in the Philippines?
It’s best to send flowers as soon as you hear about the passing, ideally within the first 24-48 hours of the wake period. Most Filipino wakes last 3-7 days, giving ample time for flower delivery.
Are there any flowers that should be avoided?
Red flowers are generally avoided as they represent romantic love. Also, avoid strongly fragrant flowers as they might overwhelm the wake venue.
How much should I spend on sympathy flowers?
A reasonable sympathy arrangement typically costs between PHP 2,000 to PHP 7,000, depending on the type and size. The relationship with the deceased should guide your budget.
Can I send sympathy flowers to a Filipino Muslim family?
It’s better to confirm first, as some Muslim families prefer not to receive flowers. Consider sending food or making a charitable donation instead.
Should I send flowers if I’m attending the wake?
While not mandatory, sending flowers even if you’re attending the wake is appreciated and considered a respectful gesture in Filipino culture.
What message should I include with the flowers?
Keep the message simple and sincere, such as “Our deepest condolences” or “With heartfelt sympathy.” Including your full name is important for the family to acknowledge your gesture.
Can I send a potted plant instead of cut flowers?
Yes, potted plants like peace lilies are appropriate and can serve as lasting remembrances for the family.
How do I ensure the flowers will be delivered on time?
Order from reputable local florists who understand Filipino funeral customs and can guarantee delivery within the wake period. Provide complete details including the wake schedule.
Is it appropriate to send flowers after the funeral?
While it’s best to send flowers during the wake, sending them to the family’s home after the funeral is also acceptable as a gesture of continued support.
Can I send different colored flowers besides white?
While white is traditional, pale pink, yellow, or purple flowers are also acceptable, especially when sending to the family’s home after the funeral.
