14/03/2009
When a loved one passes away, expressing our grief and offering comfort to the bereaved is paramount. Among the many traditions observed during a funeral, the sending of flowers plays a significant role in conveying sympathy and respect. One of the most common and poignant floral arrangements is the funeral spray. But what exactly is a funeral spray, and how do we choose the right words to accompany it? This article delves into the definition of a funeral spray, its significance, and provides guidance on crafting the perfect message for its accompanying ribbon.
What is a Funeral Spray?
A funeral spray, often referred to as a wreath or a sheaf, is a floral arrangement specifically designed for funerals and memorial services. The term 'gerbe' in French, as seen in the provided Psalm quote, translates to 'sheaf' or 'spray'. The quote, "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him," from Psalm CXXVI, 6, beautifully illustrates the concept. It speaks of carrying seeds (representing our efforts and lives) and returning with the harvest (the fruits of our labour and the memories we cherish). In the context of a funeral, the spray symbolises the life that has been lived, the love shared, and the hope for peace and remembrance.
Funeral sprays are typically designed to be placed on an easel, allowing them to stand upright. They can be created in various shapes, including traditional oval or circular wreaths, teardrop sprays, or more contemporary, asymmetrical designs. The choice of flowers, colours, and overall style often reflects the personality of the deceased, the wishes of the family, or the sentiment the sender wishes to convey. Common flowers used include lilies, roses, chrysanthemums, carnations, and seasonal blooms. The colours can range from pure white, symbolising peace and remembrance, to deeper shades of red or purple, signifying love and respect, or even brighter colours if the deceased was known for their vibrant spirit.
The Significance of Floral Tributes at Funerals
Flowers have been used in funeral rites for centuries across many cultures. They serve multiple purposes:
- Expressing Sympathy: Flowers are a universal language of comfort and a tangible way to show your support to the grieving family.
- Honouring the Deceased: A thoughtfully chosen floral arrangement can be a beautiful tribute to the life and memory of the person who has passed.
- Creating a Peaceful Atmosphere: The presence of flowers can help to soften the solemnity of the occasion and create a more serene environment.
- Symbolism: Different flowers and colours carry their own symbolic meanings, allowing for a deeper, more personal message to be conveyed. For instance, white lilies often represent purity and innocence, while red roses signify deep love and sorrow.
Crafting the Perfect Message for a Funeral Ribbon
It is customary to include a message on a ribbon that is attached to the funeral spray. This message, though brief, carries significant weight. As you mentioned, the inscription should be concise, generally no more than 35 characters (including letters and spaces), to be easily readable on the ribbon, which is often displayed prominently.
Key Considerations for Your Message:
- Brevity: Keep it short and to the point.
- Clarity: Ensure the message is easily understood.
- Sentiment: Convey your genuine feelings of sympathy, love, or respect.
- Relationship: The message can reflect your connection to the deceased (e.g., friend, colleague, family).
Ideas for Funeral Ribbon Inscriptions:
Choosing the right words can be difficult during a time of grief. Here are some common and heartfelt options, categorised by the sentiment they convey:
Messages of Love and Affection:
- With deepest love
- Forever in our hearts
- Rest in peace, dear friend
- Love always
- Our loving farewell
- In loving memory
- Our beloved [Name]
Messages of Sympathy and Condolence:
- With deepest sympathy
- Thinking of you
- So sorry for your loss
- Our heartfelt condolences
- Peaceful rest
- With heartfelt sympathy
Messages from Specific Relationships:
- From your loving family
- With love from your friends
- From your colleagues
- Your loving [Mother/Father/Brother/Sister]
- Your devoted [Wife/Husband/Partner]
Simple and Respectful Messages:
- Farewell
- Resting in peace
- In our thoughts
- Remembered always
It's important to select a message that feels most appropriate and genuine to your relationship with the deceased and your feelings. If you are unsure, a simple and respectful message like "With deepest sympathy" or "In loving memory" is always suitable.
Choosing the Right Floral Spray
When ordering a funeral spray, consider the following:
Types of Funeral Sprays:
While the term 'gerbe' or 'sheaf' can refer to a more loosely tied bunch of flowers, funeral sprays are often more structured. Here's a comparison of common floral tributes:
| Type of Arrangement | Description | Common Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Spray/Sheaf | A typically elongated arrangement, often tied loosely or with a more natural, flowing design. Can be placed on an easel or directly on the coffin. | Easel, Coffin Lid |
| Wreath | A circular arrangement, often with a hole in the centre. Symbolises eternity and the cyclical nature of life. | Easel, Coffin Lid, Grave |
| Posy/Bouquet | A smaller, hand-tied arrangement of flowers. Often sent by close family members. | Coffin Lid, Grave |
| Casket Spray | A larger, often elaborate arrangement designed to cover a significant portion of the coffin lid. Usually chosen by the immediate family. | Coffin Lid |
Factors to Consider:
- Family Preferences: Sometimes the immediate family will specify the type of flowers or colours they would prefer, or they may request donations to a charity in lieu of flowers.
- Personal Connection: Choose flowers or colours that held significance for the deceased or your relationship with them.
- Seasonality: Opting for seasonal flowers can ensure freshness and often a more cost-effective choice.
- Delivery: Ensure the flowers are delivered to the funeral director or the venue at the appropriate time. Websites like Florajet.com and Monsieurfleurs.com can assist with online orders and delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who typically sends a funeral spray?
A1: Funeral sprays are sent by friends, family members, colleagues, or organisations to express their condolences and pay their respects.
Q2: How long should the message on the ribbon be?
A2: It is recommended to keep the message to a maximum of 35 characters (including letters and spaces) for readability.
Q3: Can I include a longer message if I wish?
A3: While the ribbon message is traditionally short, some florists may offer larger cards where a longer personal message can be written. However, for the ribbon itself, brevity is key.
Q4: What if I don't know the deceased well?
A4: In such cases, simple and respectful messages like "With deepest sympathy" or "In memory of" are perfectly appropriate.
Q5: Should I send flowers if the family has requested donations to a charity?
A5: If the family has requested donations in lieu of flowers, it is generally best to honour their wishes. You can still offer your personal condolences directly to the family.
In conclusion, funeral sprays are a meaningful way to honour a departed loved one and offer comfort to those mourning. By understanding their significance and carefully selecting an appropriate message for the accompanying ribbon, you can ensure your floral tribute is both beautiful and heartfelt. Remember to keep your message concise, sincere, and reflective of your relationship with the deceased.
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