When we visit the cemetery of a deceased, we will usually prepare a bunch of flowers. But do you know why flowers are placed on graves? When was the custom formed?

Stone Age

New research suggests that the habitude has formed for tens of thousands of years. The tomb of a woman known as the Red Lady was found in the El Mirón cave at Cantabria, Spain.

The grave was built 16000 years ago. Flowers were found in the remains. The appearance of flowers in such a monotonous environment is unusual. Archaeologists said that maybe the flowers were put on the tomb to do a ritual for the dead person.

Greek

However, more people believe that the custom dates back to ancient Greek in which a ritual called “Zoai” were popular. It requires putting flowers on graves.

At that time, the tomb of Greek warriors was adorned with flowers. A bunch of fresh flowers emblems happiness in the afterlife.

Rome

In ancient Rome, it is generally believed that if a man dies, his spirit will live in a grave. To assuage their ancestors thus, the Romans put flowers and adornments on stone cemetery monuments.

Another argument is that the purpose of placing flowers is to mask the fetor of death. Also, in February, every year, people will celebrate a festival called Parentalia. During the festive season, the soldiers’ graves will be decorated with various types of flowers.

While some tourists point out that quite a few other countries like France, Switzerland, Germany, China, etc. also place flowers on tombs.

Catholicism

The only evidence that proves early Christian have this custom was that early saints decide not to place flowers on their tombs as the ordinary people did.

Nevertheless, in France, Mexico and other Catholic countries, flowers are now put on custom made gravestones on Halloween, All Saints Day, and All Souls’ Day.

In France, Chrysanthemums will be placed on graves on November 2nd since the First World War. In the south and mid-Mexico, flowers were placed on tombs in early summer but now practised in late October or early November.

America

There is a firm belief that Americans cause the custom. After the Civil War, Americans bring flowers to commemorate Lincoln. By and by, many folks begin to decorate the gravestone of soldiers with fresh flowers.

In 1868, General John Alexander Logan appointed May 30 as Decoration Day - the day for “decorating the graves of comrades who died in defence of their country. “ In 1873, New York announced Decoration Day as an official holiday.

Jewish

Although many nations accept the custom, there is an exception. Using flowers to decorate a cemetery is not the tradition of Jewish for several reasons.

According to them, placing flowers on graves would make difference between classes which against what their sage taught them. Besides, since the flowers are put in a place where they are useless, it is a waste. But the root cause is that it is not a Jewish custom.

In Leviticus 18:3, “Like the practices of the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you, you shall not do, and you shall not follow their statutes.”It means that a Jew should not follow the custom of non-Jews.

We are a Chinese stone manufacturer. Our products cover headstone, cemetery flower vase, memorial plaque and stone statue. We persist in providing our customers with the most peace of mind and safe service from designing to manufacturing. If you are interested, please contact us at Leo@xmmason.com.