We want to help make it easier for anyone to express their sympathy at funerals by looking at various cultural traditions and how flowers play a part in them. Japan has a unique culture with a large emphasis on traditional practices. Sending flowers to a Japanese funeral can be confusing for those of us not well versed in the appropriate ettiquete but reading these tips can make giving a gift simpler.
Should You Send Flowers to a Japanese Funeral?
Japanese funerals often involve flowers but, unlike many other cultural ceremonies, they are not always the central aspect of the ceremony. The type of flowers that are appropriate for Japanese funeral events range greatly and can include nearly any type of bloom a mourner chooses to purchase. Flowers are often placed on top of the funeral site’s altar, put in the casket before sealing and are usually left upon the gravesite by friends and family.
It is common for the funeral party to donate money to a hanawa (funeral wreath) in place of individual flower arrangements. Another option to consider alongside your gift of sympathy flowers is koden, a condolence gift that consists of money for the bereaved.
What is Koden?
Koden is a Japanese term that refers to the traditional sympathy gift of money. It has been a cultural practice related to sympathy and funerals for centuries of Japanese history. Sending koden is often done by placing money in a small envelope sealed with white and black ribbon.
Combining koden with a tasteful flower arrangement is probably the best idea for those attending a Japanese funeral (or sending their condolences to a Japanese family). It is important to note, however, that only close friends and family should send flowers, koden or contribute to hanawa. Many Japanese traditionalists prefer to keep funerals within families so be sure to use personal discretion in all cases and keep the above tips in mind when creating your sympathy gift.
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