Flowers have always played an important part in rituals, funerals and services honouring the dead, because of their beauty, their scent and their healing qualities.

Beautiful flowers, presented in bouquets, posies, wreaths and sprays have been displayed around tombs, graves and caskets symbolising the regard felt for the deceased and the soul's journey onto 'elysium' or heaven, dwelling places for the blessed after death.
 
Floral and herb essences have also been used to embalm the bodies of the dead and fragrant flowers or spices to disguise the smell of a decaying body.

In many cultures, flowers continue to play an important symbolic, if slightly less practical role, at funerals. Expressing grief, sympathy and respect for the deceased is often through done through flowers.