The act of using flowers for all types of celebrations, commemorations, and for mourning are deep traditions rooted in many cultures. One of these traditions is decorating graves for fallen warriors and can be traced back even during the time of ancient Greece and Rome as signals of high honors to their fallen. Decorative Day, now known as Memorial Day, began during the Civil War where it was customary to have flowers of all types placed on the graves of the soldiers who did not make it through battles. It wasn't so much as the type of flower they placed as much as the sentiment behind the act. In 1971 Memorial Day would become a federal holiday where we honor all fallen soldiers during the last Monday of May. The tradition of placing flowers on the graves of our fallen soldiers who have fought for our freedom still continues, mainly using the colors of our nation, red, white and blue.
"Along with the patriotic red, white and blue flowers, peonies have long been used to decorate graves on Memorial Day. Years back mourners began a tradition of planting peony bushes on the final resting places of loved ones or decorating graves with peony bouquets graves on Memorial Day." NewsWatchman
"Some of you have mentioned the family tradition of peony in a ball jar for “Decoration Day”. This was a must from my childhood. It was a carryover from the Civil War to honor those fallen. As small child I had never met the ancestors they honored each year. However when my mom's father eventually died of his wounds from being a foot soldier in France WW1, I could say I knew someone we were remembering. I now bring our granddaughter to this cemetery of her Indiana ancestors." -Pam Parker Tucker
Not only leaving flowers at the grave is an important tradition but another one is wearing a very specific red flower known as, "Buddy Poppy." The name comes from the poem "In Flanders Field" that was written by John McCrae during World War I. After the poem was published, the idea of wearing this specific type of red poppy to honor fallen soldiers took root and remains an important tradition to many military family members to this day.
Along with leaving flowers at a graveside and wearing the red poppy, it is common to have a red, white, and blue arrangements made for remembrance and if you see a yellow ribbon, it's to support our troops and is usually tied around trees in their honor. Customs have grown to extend the appreciation to all the living soldiers that have served for our country. It’s common to send veterans Memorial Day flowers and gifts as an appreciation and remembrance for their service to our country.
What are some traditional flowers for Memorial Day and their color representation?
Red: for valor and passion; fallen soldiers had a passionate and pure love for their country
- red poppy - in remembrance of those fallen in war
- red roses - symbolize passionate love
- red carnations - symbolize admiration **
- red gerbera daisies
White: for purity and integrity of heart; fallen soldiers had a passionate and pure love for their country
- white roses - while white symbolize purity
- white lilies- represent resurrection and rebirth
- white daisies- symbolize purity and innocence
- white carnations - purity
- white mums
- white hydrangea
Blue: for loyalty
- blue hydrangea
- blue delphinium
- blue iris
- blue carnations**
- Other flower types commonly used:
- chrysanthemums
- gladolias
**Carnations: can be dyed any color, even blue, and are very hardy cut flowers that last a long time
Thank you to all the soldiers who have served our country! Our love to you all!
