Which flowers stand for death?

Question

Which flowers are symbolic of death in a literary sense?

Answer 1

The Arum lily

Answer 2

Flowers have various different meanings in different cultures. The holidays and events for which flowers are used vary. Poppies are used to remember fallen soldiers only in England and the Commonwealth countries. The cultural meaning of colors also strongly affects the choice and use of flowers. People often prefer flowers that are associated with their ethnic group or country, and various colors may have special meanings of luck or death or love or other basic human traits. A flower such as a red rose might to some mean love, but to others it might be considered indecent or simply puzzling. The vastly divergent views on the color white can lead to major flower issues. White is viewed as standing for death in many Asian cultures but is considered a symbol of purity and innocence in many European and American cultures. Such differences can lead to difficult issues when a bouquet of white lilies, for example, is delivered.

Answer 3

Lilies, especially the Hurricane Lily (Higan-bana/Huángquán). "Higan-bana, called Hurricane Lily in English, is a beautiful red flower which in Japan blooms in Autumn. 'Bana' means flower. 'Higan' literally means the 'world beyond', and it is the name given to a festival time dedicated to paying respects to our ancestors. It happens twice a year, in Spring and again in Autumn; it is around the latter time when Higan-bana are supposed to open their petals. Having such a name and also being a fataly poisonous plant, it is associated with death and bad omen in Japan. You might hear elderly people say that Higan- bana are actualy the deceased reincarnated into the form of flowers. So it is sinful to pick them. Another might say that if you pick and take a Higan-bana home, it will bring fire on the house; possibly because its bright red colour is associated with fire." Poppies may also be considered a plant that is often viewed with death, as well as the Titum Arum and Rafflesia, which are both considered "corpse flowers." Other notable contenders: Batflowers, Doll's Eye, Aconite, Diffeinbachia, Hemlock, Belladonna, Black Mourning Bride, Niteshade, Hellebore, Columbine, Datura, Narcissus, Monkshood, Oleander, Thorn Apple.

Answer 4

It depends. Lilies can (they're often used in funerals). Black flowers (dahlias, roses) can (but may not always). There isn't some secret symbolism dictionary that teachers and authors use to always use one object to symbolize one idea. Look around, it depends on the reading. A daisy can be just as much a death-omen as a black rose depending on the context.

Answer 5

White Lilies

Answer 6

Nightshade known in literary circles as ' Deadly Nightshade '.

Answer 7

I have heard poppies, and I can't remember which, but either the poplar or cypress tree was considered a tree of death.

Answer 8

umm in spanish cultures..its marigolds that they set outside on day of the dead..haha..learned that in spanish class! hehe

Answer 9

I believe lilies, but I'm not sure.

Answer 10

I belive that it is white lilies.