The history of the mourning process in Georgia and the world
Georgians have many customs. These traditions are passed down from generation to generation and are still alive today. One such tradition is the mourning and burial of the dead. Though different in different parts of Georgia, all these rituals have one thing in common - the act of bringing flowers to a funeral. It is an act that shows sorrow and respect.
Since Georgia is a Christian country and its population perceives faith as one of it’s most important priorities, the burial process is carried out according to Orthodox ritual.
Great attention is paid to the spiritual purification of the deceased, which is why family members try their best to observe the rules of the church. One of the most important steps from this is the process of funeral ritual, which is performed by a priest. It happens on a day of rest, in the family or in the church.
The tradition of bringing funeral wreaths and baskets to share grief is not only a common gesture in Georgia. This practice has a long history, which dates back to ancient Egypt.
Of course, depending on culture, religion, and customs, there are different funeral rituals in every country. What is considered acceptable and respectable in Georgia may be considered offensive in another part of the world. One example of this is the rituals of Muslims and Jews where bringing any plant to a funeral is considered an insult to religion, and so forbidden.
Initially, flowers did not have symbolic meaning but a practical significance in the funeral ritual. Initially flowers were used to mask odours from a decaying body. That is why plants with a stronger smell were selected. Over time, flowers changed their role in the mourning process and became means of expressing emotions.
Depending on the culture and religion, flowers have different ideological meanings. Since they carry symbolic meaning, there are rules about which bouquets are acceptable for funerals and which are not.
In ancient Egypt, lotus flowers were associated with rebirth and life after death. It is because of this symbol that lotus flowers were carried to the grave of the deceased in Egypt to provide comfort for the next stage of the soul’s journey.
There are a few rules for creating a funeral bouquet. Our florists know and follow these rules carefully to create the perfect bouquet and let you express grief. There are specific colors and different varieties of flowers that are used for these orders. A few flowers that carry symbolic meaning and are often used:
