The Japanese Funeral Ceremony
Japanese funeral rituals are typically rooted in Buddhist traditions. The journey begins with the Otsuya, or wake, held on the evening before the funeral. This intimate gathering allows family and close friends to spend one final night in the presence of the departed, creating a space for quiet reflection and shared memories.
A Buddhist priest chants sutras throughout the evening while loved ones offer incense, symbolizing reverence and the hope for a peaceful transition to the afterlife. The following day, the Ososhiki, or funeral ceremony, mirrors the solemnity of the wake, culminating in the cremation (Kasou), a sacred act that honors the impermanence of life.
The ashes are then laid to rest in a family grave.
The Symbolism of Flowers in Japanese Funerals
It is important to note that sending flowers to a Japanese funeral is not as common a practice as it is in Western traditions. Flowers are typically reserved only for the immediate family, who may choose specific arrangements to adorn the casket, altar, or graveside. One main reason for this is the profound symbolism flowers carry in Japanese culture — a symbolism that is intertwined with the cultural and spiritual beliefs surrounding life and death.
Flowers for a Japanese Funeral
Shokubutsu, or the flowers used for Japanese funerals, hold deep significance in terms of mourning and respect for those who have passed on. These flowers include
White Chrysanthemums
These are the most traditional and significant flowers in Japanese funerals. White chrysanthemums symbolize death, grief, and the purity of the soul’s journey to the afterlife.
Lilies
Often used for their association with restored innocence after death, lilies add an element of spiritual purity to the funeral ceremony.
Lotus Flowers
Lotus flowers are deeply symbolic in Buddhism and represent spiritual enlightenment and the purity of the soul. This makes them a meaningful addition to Japanese funerals.
Funeral Flower Arrangements
The altar is a focal point during the Japanese wake ceremony and is designed with a deep sense of reverence and aesthetic simplicity. The floral arrangements on the altar are carefully selected to honor the deceased and create an atmosphere of peace and solemnity.
Symmetrical Arrangements
The heart of the altar will often feature a large, symmetrical arrangement of white flowers, symbolizing purity and mourning. Smaller bouquets or single flowers will be placed on either side of the central arrangement in a manner that creates a harmonious effect.
Cascading Arrangements
Some altars may feature cascading floral designs, where the flowers gently drape downwards, symbolizing the natural flow of life and death.
Ikebana
Ikebana is the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging, based on the principles of balance, harmony, and simplicity. Ikebana focuses on the lines, shapes, and natural beauty of the flowers and branches, creating a minimalist yet meaningful composition. Ikebana often incorporates elements like stems, leaves, and even empty space to convey a sense of harmony with nature.
Ikebana plays a significant role in expressing respect, mourning, and the cycle of life.
Floral Garlands
Sometimes, a garland or ring of flowers is placed to encircle the area where the body or a photograph of the deceased is placed. This garland, often made of chrysanthemums and lilies, represents the circle of life and serves as a protective, honoring embrace.
The Hanawa
As mentioned, sending flowers is not a common practice for Japanese funerals, as this is often reserved only for close family. Instead, the practice of giving koden, a monetary gift intended to help cover funeral expenses, is the more customary way of expressing sympathy in Japan.
However, if you still wish to send your respects through flowers, you can choose to send a Hanawa — which is a large funeral wreath that bears the sender’s name. These wreaths are traditionally burned alongside the deceased, symbolizing a final tribute.
While sending a Hanawa is less common than offering Koden, it remains a significant gesture, especially from close friends, colleagues, or organizations, and is deeply appreciated in the context of Japanese funeral customs.
Japanese Customs Regarding Funeral Flowers
Despite the reserved approach to floral offerings, the flowers used in Japanese funerals carry deep emotional and spiritual significance. They can also serve as silent yet powerful gestures of condolence and respect.
Floral offerings are typically placed at the altar in the funeral home, where they remain throughout the service. In some cases, the flowers are later taken to the cemetery and laid at the grave site, symbolizing the mourner’s final farewell.
It is important to note that certain flowers, particularly those associated with joyous occasions, such as red roses or brightly colored flowers, are generally avoided in funeral settings. The use of color is very intentional in Japanese culture, and bright colors can be seen as disrespectful or inappropriate for a somber occasion like a funeral.
Hollywood Forever: Respectful Funeral Services That Honor Traditions
At Hollywood Forever, we recognize the importance of honoring traditions and offer extensive funeral services that cater to the diverse needs of all faiths and cultures. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized support, whether you’re observing traditional Japanese customs or those of another faith.
We ensure that every detail, including floral arrangements, is handled with the utmost care and respect, allowing you to create a meaningful and respectful farewell that honors your loved one’s life and beliefs.
