Sympathy wreaths are arrangements of flowers, leaves, baby's breath and other types of plants given during a funeral or some other type of event such as an illness. This is known as one of the most appropriate offerings to show one's love and support for the family as well as respect for the one who has passed away. They can come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. While some come in the standard shape of a circle, others are in the shape of a square with the deceased person's picture in the center. Some have sashes around it that have words across such as "In memory of (insert name)."
The wreaths may be on a stand so that the whole congregation can see it from a distance. During a funeral, they are placed among other wreaths on either side of the casket. They can also be placed on a table or around the casket itself. Most people bring these as gifts because they represent a diversion during this solemn time of suffering. It is common for those who are unable to attend the ceremony to send them as well. It provides comfort to the rest of the attendees knowing that people took the time and effort to buy such a gift.
Flowers can convey a variety of meanings depending on one's religious denomination or spiritual beliefs. Some examples that the different flowers may signify include strength, love, friendship, family, remembrance, peace, gratitude, calming, encouragement, inspiration, consolation, faithfulness, healing, and eternal life. Many of these meanings also vary by the color.
If you choose to purchase a sympathy wreath, you may want to customize it so that it is personal to you and the person who has passed away. Perhaps if he or she had a favorite flower that you knew about, you could use those. If the person had a very bubbly personality, you can alternate bold colors to represent it. If the person was religious, the wreath could be made into a figurative shape, such as the cross. This might be better than just getting a generic wreath because these flowers are likely to remain in the family's home and can serve as a remembrance of the deceased.
The moods expressed through these sympathy wreaths can assist in alleviating the mourning that is occurring because of the tragic event. As one is observing one's surroundings while sitting in church or standing on the burial grounds, he or she is likely to notice the wreaths, and from them, acquire a different mood depending on his interpretation of what the flowers symbolize. It is definitely prone to be a more uplifting one that will temporarily take away the negative energy caused by the event. Although having sympathy wreaths present might not completely remove the pain and suffering people feel inside, the little relief that it will give is enough to make bringing it as a present worth it.
