The Significance of Remembrance Symbols

Symbols are a powerful part of human expression. They help us make sense of emotion, memory, and meaning in ways that words often cannot. In funeral and memorial services, symbols offer a quiet yet profound way to honour a life and support those who are grieving. As a funeral celebrant, I’ve seen how the thoughtful use of symbols can bring comfort, connection, and healing to the bereaved.

Why Symbols Matter

We use symbols every day without always realising it. A wedding ring, a poppy, a candle in the window — all carry meaning far beyond their physical form. In funerals, symbols allow us to acknowledge loss, celebrate life, and share emotion without having to explain everything aloud. They help us express what’s often too deep for words.

Symbols are also incredibly personal. What means something to one person may mean something different to another. That’s why, when planning a funeral or memorial service, I always encourage families to consider the objects, colours, flowers, and gestures that held special meaning to their loved one. These can then be woven into the ceremony in simple yet powerful ways.

Flowers and Their Meanings

Flowers are perhaps the most widely recognised symbol at funerals. Each flower carries its own meaning — lilies for purity, roses for love, forget-me-nots for remembrance. The choice of flowers can speak volumes about the person who has died. Did they have a favourite bloom? A particular colour they always wore? Incorporating these into the floral arrangements is a beautiful way to honour them.

Some families like to include more personal floral tributes, such as wildflowers from their garden, or a bouquet tied with the deceased’s favourite scarf. I’ve also seen petals scattered during a final farewell, or a single flower given to each guest as a memento — a small gesture that carries huge emotional weight.

Candles and Light

Lighting a candle is one of the most universally understood acts of remembrance. A single flame can symbolise the enduring spirit of the person who has died, a light in the darkness, or the spark of love that continues to burn. Candles can be lit at the start of the service, during moments of reflection, or as part of a group ritual where each guest lights their own.

In some ceremonies, a central candle is kept burning throughout the service and then given to the family to take home. Others may choose lanterns, tealights, or even digital candles on screens for a modern alternative. However it’s done, the act of lighting a candle creates a moment of pause, reflection, and unity.

Colours and Clothing

Colours have a powerful impact on emotion and atmosphere. Traditional funerals often feature black clothing, but increasingly, families are choosing to wear colours that reflect the life and personality of the person they’re saying goodbye to.

Did they always wear bright colours? Did they support a particular football team? Were they known for their love of purple? Asking mourners to wear a splash of their favourite colour can be a joyful way to celebrate them. I’ve led services where guests wore rainbow scarves, football shirts, or garden-themed accessories — each choice adding vibrancy and personality to the occasion.

Objects and Keepsakes

Personal objects can tell a story in a way words never can. A well-worn hat, a favourite book, a pair of walking boots, or a beloved teacup can all speak to the essence of someone’s life. These items can be placed on a memory table, displayed near the coffin, or even held by family members during the service.

In some cases, families like to offer keepsakes to guests — bookmarks with a favourite quote, seed packets to plant in remembrance, or small tokens that reflect the person’s passions. These meaningful gifts allow mourners to take a piece of the service home with them, helping to keep their loved one’s memory alive.

Symbolic Gestures and Rituals

Symbols don’t have to be physical. Gestures and rituals also carry deep meaning. A moment of silence, a collective breath, the release of balloons, doves, or bubbles — all can mark a turning point in the service. Some families write messages on stones, leaves, or paper hearts and place them around the coffin or on a memory board.

Water is another beautiful symbol. I once led a service where guests were invited to drop pebbles into a bowl of water, each ripple representing a memory shared. Another family chose to pass around a small bell, ringing it gently after sharing a memory. These actions are simple, but they create lasting impressions.

Symbols in Spiritual and Cultural Contexts

For many people, faith or cultural background will influence the symbols they choose. From the Christian cross to Hindu flowers and garlands, from Jewish candles to Celtic knots — these traditions are rich with meaning. As a celebrant, I always work with families to understand their beliefs and wishes so that the ceremony reflects what feels right for them.

Even within secular services, families often draw on spiritual or cultural symbols to bring depth and connection to the ceremony. The key is to choose symbols that feel authentic to the life being celebrated.

Making It Meaningful

Ultimately, the most powerful symbols are those chosen with care and intention. They don’t have to be grand or elaborate. A single sunflower can represent a sunny disposition. A handwritten note can be more powerful than a formal eulogy. It’s about finding the things that spark connection, bring comfort, and tell the story of a life well lived.

When planning a funeral, I always ask families: what would your loved one want to be remembered for? What objects, images, or gestures feel like them? The answers to those questions often lead us to the symbols that will hold the most meaning.

Symbols offer comfort, create connection, and invite participation. They help mourners to engage, reflect, and remember. And long after the ceremony is over, those symbols remain — in a photograph, a flower, a flickering candle — quietly keeping the memory of a loved one alive.

If you're planning a funeral and would like support creating a ceremony that’s rich in meaning and personal touches, I’d be honoured to help.

Let’s talk about how we can celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that feels truly right for you.