Traditional Filipino Funeral Flowers and Their Meanings
In short
The traditional Filipino funeral flowers are white lilies, chrysanthemums, white roses, orchids, carnations, and gladioli. White lilies symbolise peace and purity. Chrysanthemums represent mourning and remembrance. White roses express love and reverence. Orchids signify dignity and lasting memory. These flowers are displayed at the Filipino wake, called burol or lamay. White is the dominant colour because it reflects peace, prayer, purity, and respect. The Filipino term for funeral flowers is bulaklak ng patay.
In the Philippines, funeral flowers are more than decoration. Each flower carries meaning passed down through generations, shaped by Catholic tradition, Filipino values around family and respect, and the way Filipinos gather to mourn through the burol or lamay.
This guide explains what each traditional Filipino funeral flower means, why white is commonly used at Filipino wakes, and the cultural context behind the flowers you may see at a chapel, funeral home, or family residence. If you need help choosing what to send, you can message us on Facebook, Instagram, or Viber at 09205518286.
Filipino funeral flower meanings at a glance
Filipino funeral arrangements commonly feature these traditional flowers. Each one carries its own symbolic meaning and is often chosen based on the message the sender wants to express.
| Flower | Traditional meaning | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| White Lilies | Peace, purity, the soul at rest | Funeral stands, coffin sprays, white arrangements |
| Chrysanthemums | Mourning, grief, remembrance | Funeral wreaths, stands, sympathy baskets |
| White Roses | Love, reverence, deep respect | Family tributes and elegant funeral arrangements |
| Orchids | Dignity, strength, lasting memory | Formal funeral stands and sympathy arrangements |
| Carnations | Remembrance, gentle sympathy | Baskets, mixed arrangements, soft-coloured tributes |
| Gladioli | Strength of character, sincerity | Tall standing funeral arrangements |
The burol and lamay tradition
To understand Filipino funeral flowers, it helps to understand the Filipino wake. The burol or lamay is when family, relatives, friends, neighbours, and colleagues gather to pray, offer condolences, and support the bereaved before the burial.
Flowers are usually displayed near the casket, altar, entrance, or memorial area. They help create a peaceful setting and quietly express sympathy when words are difficult to say.
White and soft-coloured flowers are the most traditional choices because they suggest peace, prayer, purity, and respect. They are appropriate for home wakes, funeral chapels, funeral homes, and memorial services.
Common traditional Filipino funeral flowers and their meanings
White lilies
White lilies are one of the most common flowers for funeral services. They are often associated with peace, purity, prayer, and the hope that the departed is at rest.
Because of their soft and solemn appearance, lilies are a respectful choice for Filipino funeral flowers, especially when the sender wants to express sympathy in a quiet and traditional way.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are widely used in sympathy and funeral arrangements. They are commonly linked with mourning, remembrance, and support for the grieving family.
White chrysanthemums are especially suitable for a wake because they feel simple, respectful, and appropriate for the solemn atmosphere of a Filipino funeral.
White roses
White roses express love, reverence, and respect. They are a gentle choice for funeral flowers because they can show deep care without feeling too bright or celebratory.
They are often used in funeral stands, baskets, and mixed white arrangements for wakes and memorial services.
Orchids
Orchids can represent dignity, strength, and lasting remembrance. Their elegant appearance makes them a fitting choice for formal sympathy arrangements.
In Filipino wakes, orchids are often included in funeral stands or larger arrangements when the sender wants something graceful and meaningful.
Carnations
Carnations are often chosen for remembrance, admiration, and gentle sympathy. White or soft-coloured carnations can work well in funeral baskets and mixed flower arrangements.
They are a suitable choice when you want the flowers to feel sincere, respectful, and understated.
Gladioli
Gladioli are tall, formal flowers that can symbolise strength, sincerity, and moral character. Because of their height and shape, they are often used in larger wake funeral flower arrangements.
They can be especially appropriate when honouring someone remembered for their strength, guidance, or service to their family.
Funeral arrangements featuring traditional flowers
For most Filipino wakes, a funeral stand is usually the safest and most traditional choice. Many people also search for a funeral wreath when they are looking for a formal standing flower arrangement for a wake.
Funeral stands are upright, visible, and easy to display near the casket, altar, entrance, or memorial area. They are suitable for relatives, friends, colleagues, companies, and group condolences.
Here are three funeral stands that may be suitable for a Filipino burol or lamay:
Browse our full range of funeral stands for Metro Manila delivery.
View All Funeral StandsFuneral baskets can be a softer and more modest option for home wakes or smaller chapels. Coffin sprays are more personal and are usually chosen by close family members or those helping arrange the main funeral flowers.
What flower colours mean at a Filipino wake
Beyond the specific flower, colour also carries meaning in Filipino funeral tradition.
White
White is the dominant colour at many Filipino wakes. It suggests purity, peace, prayer, and respect. It is also the safest choice if you are unsure what flowers for funeral services are appropriate.
Soft pink and cream
Soft pink and cream flowers can be suitable when the arrangement is meant to feel gentle and comforting. They are often used in mixed sympathy arrangements where the tone still needs to remain quiet and respectful.
Pale yellow
Pale yellow flowers can suggest friendship, warmth, and fond memory. They are usually more appropriate when used softly, rather than in bright or celebratory arrangements.
Red, bright yellow, and orange
Bright colours can feel too cheerful for a solemn wake, so they are usually used with care. If you are unsure, white or soft-coloured funeral flowers are the safer choice.
Bulaklak ng patay and bulaklak sa patay
In Filipino, people may search for bulaklak ng patay or bulaklak sa patay when looking for funeral flowers to send to a wake. These phrases usually refer to sympathy flowers prepared for someone who has passed away.
Although the terms sound direct, the flowers themselves are chosen with respect. Common options include white funeral stands, coffin sprays, baskets, and other arrangements displayed during a burol or lamay.
These flowers are sent not only to honour the deceased, but also to comfort the family during a difficult time.
Choosing funeral flowers for a wake in Manila
If you are sending flowers to a wake in Manila, it helps to choose an arrangement that is respectful, easy to display, and suitable for the venue. Many wakes are held in funeral homes, chapels, churches, memorial parks, or family residences, so funeral stands, coffin sprays, and sympathy baskets are often practical choices.
White and soft-coloured flowers are usually the safest option, especially if you are unsure of the family’s preferences. They express sympathy without feeling too bright or informal, and they fit the solemn atmosphere of a Filipino burol or lamay.
Frequently asked questions
What are traditional Filipino funeral flowers?
Traditional Filipino funeral flowers include white lilies, chrysanthemums, white roses, orchids, carnations, and gladioli. These flowers are commonly used in funeral stands, coffin sprays, baskets, and other sympathy arrangements for a Filipino wake.
What does bulaklak ng patay mean?
Bulaklak ng patay or bulaklak sa patay refers to funeral flowers or sympathy flowers prepared for someone who has passed away. These are commonly sent to a wake, funeral home, chapel, or family residence.
What colour flowers are best for a Filipino funeral?
White flowers are usually the safest and most traditional choice. They suggest peace, prayer, purity, respect, and remembrance. Soft colours such as cream, pale pink, and pale yellow may also be appropriate depending on the arrangement.
What should I send to a Filipino wake?
For most people, a funeral stand is a suitable choice because it is formal, visible, and easy to display at the wake. Funeral baskets are a more modest option, while coffin sprays are usually chosen by close family members.
Is a funeral wreath the same as a funeral stand?
Many people use the term funeral wreath when looking for a standing funeral arrangement. In the Philippines, these are often displayed at the wake with a sympathy ribbon and placed near the casket, altar, entrance, or memorial area.
Send funeral flowers in Metro Manila
Manila Funeral & Sympathy Flowers helps families, friends, coworkers, and OFWs send respectful funeral flowers across Metro Manila. We deliver to wakes, funeral homes, chapels, churches, memorial parks, offices, and family homes.
Popular delivery locations include:
- Loyola Memorial Chapels in Guadalupe, Makati and Sucat, Parañaque
- Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City
- Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels in Quezon City
- Heritage Park in Taguig / BGC
- Sanctuarium in Quezon City
- St. Peter Chapels across Metro Manila
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