Good day! Azal is with you, and today I want to discuss with you the flowers that are brought to the cemetery. Let's look at a few important questions:
- what flowers can be brought to the cemetery;
- which is better to choose for a man or a woman;
- what number of flowers is customary to wear in a cemetery and why;
- is it worth buying artificial flowers for a cemetery;
- where is the best place to buy flowers for the dead;
- what flower stands are best to equip in a cemetery;
- Is it right to bring flowers to Muslim cemeteries;
- what flowers should never be brought to a cemetery.
Flowers for farewell to the deceased, as an Orthodox tradition
In ancient times, various little things mattered. Our ancestors even put meaning into the flowers they brought to funerals. It was believed that plants under such circumstances have their own sacred meaning. Previously, it was widely believed that flowers are a kind of guide to the world of spirits. For this reason, it is customary to use them during funerals - this way you can ease the path of the soul from one world to another. Today, the ritual of laying flowers at the grave has become so familiar that few people think about why it is necessary to do this. The Orthodox tradition has remained unchanged. However, flowers at funerals now symbolize the magnitude of grief of loved ones for the deceased person.
Other features of the Orthodox tradition that were taken into account in ancient times:
- it was customary to decorate the coffin with wildflowers;
- some people additionally scattered flowers along the road in front of the coffin when it was carried out, but the ritual did not take root, partly because such actions were not approved by the church;
- There should also be a small bouquet at home, and it was left in front of the photograph of the deceased.
Funeral composition of wildflowers
Tips for choosing shades
Plants should be combined with each other not only externally, but also express the same thing. For example, soft pink and bright red peonies placed in the same basket will look awkward and out of place.
Yellow and orange
When choosing yellow or orange flowers, attention is paid to the shade. A bright yellow rose speaks of loneliness and farewell, parting. The light yellow peony in the bouquet tries to express their hope that the deceased has gone to the light, to a better eternal life. This path is true and the yellow shades in the bouquet indicate that the living approve of it.
An orange tulip is often placed next to a yellow peony or daffodil. Relatives are glad that the soul of the deceased has gone to God, but the memory of him will never disappear from their hearts, it will be as bright as orange flowers and the deeds that the deceased managed to accomplish before the end of his earthly journey.
White
The color of purity and at the same time sorrow. White flowers go well with any other flowers, but they are rarely brought to funerals. Most often, white roses and lilies in funeral bouquets are placed next to blue cornflowers, bells, and chrysanthemums. Blue color is a symbol of the unearthly world - the Heavenly. A pure soul goes to God to find peace there. With white and blue bouquets, loved ones express their submission to fate.
Red
With red flowers, the loved ones of the deceased try to express their love for him and their sadness at the loss. This is the color of masculinity; it tells others about the strength of the soul of the deceased, that he will probably go to Heaven. At a funeral, any shade of red, even the darkest, is appropriate. Next to the red flowers are yellow and lilac, as well as blue. Burgundy roses are intertwined with pine needle wreaths.
Pink
With the help of rose buds in bouquets, mourners try to attract the attention of guardian angels to the innocent soul of the deceased. White lilies, blue cornflowers, and bells are placed next to pink chrysanthemums.
Blue
The color of grief and sadness. Blue violets, chrysanthemums, and cornflowers emphasize the depth of grief that has consumed relatives. It is not necessary to order all wreaths with blue flowers, but at a funeral this color is considered the most appropriate.
Why do people bring an even number of flowers to funerals?
An even number of flowers was important even for the Slavs. It was customary for them to give such bouquets for 2 reasons:
- paired numbers are a symbol that means the completion of life, as well as peace, so it is appropriate to bring a bouquet with such composition when a person is buried;
- the rule of parity was formed in ancient times, when it was believed that one of the two flowers was given to the Lord, the second to the deceased.
Today, it is still customary to give a pair of plants: no less than 2, no more than 12, a common option is 8 pieces. If more, then a wreath is already formed or a basket is used. The Slavs perceive unpaired numbers as a sign of joy and celebration. For this reason, such bouquets are given for birthdays, weddings, beloved women and even men for anniversaries, 35th or 50-70th anniversaries, for achievements. If you present a small or medium bouquet of flowers of an odd number, then people will definitely notice this flaw. But in large baskets or wreaths it is not so easy to determine the number of flowers.
During the Soviet Union, this tradition became stronger. Today, almost all over the world the attitude towards the issue of odd-evenness is indifferent. For comparison, in America the question of how many flowers should be brought to a funeral is not so important. No one will notice whether the quantity is paired or not. You can bring any bouquet. The main thing is that it was placed on the grave by a loved one: a friend, parents, grandmother, etc. At the same time, relatives and friends bring bouquets with a deep sense of grief for the deceased. It is believed that this approach is much more important than the number of plants.
In Georgia, the rules are very different from those in the rest of the world. They bring an odd number of flowers to the deceased (3, 7, 9 pieces), paired numbers contribute to the transfer of happiness from the living to the dead, thereby attracting troubles, so only the living are given bouquets with paired composition.
The procedure for holding a wake on the 40th day
According to Orthodox traditions, the more sincere prayers and kind words are said about the deceased on the fortieth day after death, the easier it will be for both the deceased and the grieving relatives. Therefore, great importance is attached to the funeral dinner. Relatives, close friends and acquaintances of the deceased person are invited to attend. You can call his mentors, students, colleagues. The Church reminds that all invitees must be Orthodox believers. It is believed that those who do not believe in God are not able to help the soul of the deceased.
It is important to note that according to church canons, the wake does not have to be celebrated strictly on the fortieth day. You can choose a convenient date a little earlier or later so that it is convenient for most people to come to lunch. At the same time, it is strictly prohibited to move the memorial service in the church and the commemoration to the cemetery. The priests also recommend that on this day, giving out treats and alms in honor of the deceased to strangers.
Funeral flower flora
As in the past, funeral flowers have meaning today. Ignorance of symbols may be perceived as a violation of funeral etiquette. You should study in advance which flowers you can take to a funeral and which are prohibited. Common options:
- carnations - this is how they show respect for colleagues, pay tribute to the merits of the deceased, and often bring carnations to the funerals of older people;
- blue hyacinth - symbolizes farewell, therefore it is most suitable for funerals, this plant is universal, suitable for funerals of young and old;
- chrysanthemums - an autumn flower, symbolizes withering, and therefore corresponds to a sad event in meaning, in addition, yellow chrysanthemums are a sign of bitterness for the departed, which makes them mournful;
- gladioli, and with them daffodils, symbolize gratitude to the deceased for everything good he did during his lifetime;
- lilies, magnolias: if you bring them to a funeral, without further ado it will be clear that the best qualities of the deceased are honesty and nobility; a white rose has the same meaning;
- forget-me-not - the name speaks for itself, it is usually placed when they want to show how important a person is, that oblivion will not affect him, zinnia and rosemary have a similar meaning, but they are found at the coffin of the deceased less often today.
Forget-me-nots on the grave
What does the color of plants symbolize at a funeral?
When choosing a bouquet, you need to take into account a whole range of parameters. This will avoid misunderstandings. It is not enough to determine what flowers are brought to the funeral; you should choose a shade. Often it is the correctly selected tone that determines that the bouquet placed on the grave has ritual significance. Possible options:
- red and darker (burgundy) - symbolizes the degree of pain due to the loss of a loved one, in other circumstances it means passion, so red is a universal option, a man gives such a bouquet to his beloved woman, and also buys it when a funeral is coming;
- green – green plants (leaves, ferns, etc.) are often added to bouquets, which symbolizes the continuation of life, but the hidden meaning also corresponds to a sad event (funeral);
- yellow is a symbol of separation, relevant not only in relationships between a man and a woman, but also when saying goodbye to the deceased;
- purple - loneliness, loss, such flowers will tell others that the deceased left loved ones without support, and will also remind them of the magnitude of their loss;
- orange: symbolizes support in difficult moments of life, such as during a funeral procession;
- blue: the color of deep sadness.
It is not necessary to carry a bouquet compiled taking into account the theory of plants matching the event; you can give the deceased his favorite flowers.
Funeral floristry
Some types and varieties of flowers are most often used in funeral bouquets and compositions. Their shape and color are symbolically compared to certain emotions and circumstances.
Chrysanthemums
Snow-white chrysanthemums denote open, sincere feelings. Bouquets of these flowers are most appropriate at the funeral of close friends. White chrysanthemums are also included in mourning compositions and baskets, where they combine well with other inflorescences and denote silent, sincere grief.
Carnations
Scarlet carnations are a symbol of passion, blood, self-sacrifice. It is customary to bring them to the funerals of military personnel, athletes, mentors, teachers, that is, those people who were called to selfless service and complete dedication. An even number of red carnations are traditionally placed at war memorials and mass graves.
Roses
A flower of myths and legends, a perfect example of beauty, it is especially often used in funeral bouquets, baskets, wreaths and compositions:
- white and soft pink, barely opened buds are intended for funerals of children and teenagers;
- red roses are equally appropriate at the funeral of a beloved wife, husband, father or mother;
- yellow or lilac roses are selected for older women;
- dark burgundy roses are brought to those who have died under tragic circumstances.
Lilies, callas, violets
These white and lilac flowers symbolize unsullied purity, special tenderness and, at the same time, sadness. They are intended for clergy and brought to the funerals of children and teenagers. White lilies often form the basis of funeral wreaths and compositions.
Unspoken rules for choosing a bouquet - how many and what flowers are placed on the grave during a funeral
In addition to the main parameters when choosing a bouquet (shade, type of plant), others should be taken into account. This process is quite complex due to the many conventions that the burial custom has acquired over many centuries. To make your task easier, you need to understand which flowers should be brought to a funeral for a man, and which flowers should be brought to a woman or child. Other criteria:
- status of the donor and the deceased;
- relation degree;
- age categories;
- not the closest people (colleague, distant acquaintance);
- size of the offering: bouquet, basket, wreath.
Rules for choosing a funeral bouquet
Which flowers to choose: fresh or artificial?
Several criteria should be taken into account:
- the budget that relatives can allocate: artificial flowers last longer, they need to be changed less often, and live ones remain attractive for only a few days, therefore, when you need to preserve a bouquet or wreath for as long as possible, it is better to choose polymer ones;
- aesthetic qualities: living plants benefit; if it is possible to frequently renew the vegetation on the grave, it is better to buy fresh ones every time.
2-3 polymer wreaths, as well as several small bouquets, are enough; you should not completely cover the entire grave - today this tradition is outdated.
Status and degree of relationship with the deceased
At this stage, you need to decide how many flowers you need for the funeral:
- a large amount is often brought to the closest people - this is a sign of generosity, a desire to show signs of attention even after death, to show depth of feelings;
- 2-8 pcs. is considered a sufficient amount if it is necessary to show a sign of respect towards an unfamiliar person (colleague, teacher).
For comparison, in America the size of the bouquet does not matter; when choosing funeral and memorial flowers, the quantity is not taken into account.
The type of plant also plays a role:
- Grandmother, grandfather, parents, wife or husband, as well as your beloved girlfriend can put violets, lilies, chrysanthemums on the grave;
- For a deceased person with whom the funeral guest was not very familiar during his lifetime, it is recommended to bring the classic version of the bouquet - carnations or roses.
The higher the status of a person, the more strict the bouquet should be. The amount of decor is minimal. Lush baskets filled with plants at random are unacceptable.
Lilies for loved ones
Flowers for a deceased man
If you have not previously participated in the funeral procession of the deceased, you need to prepare - study what flowers are bought for a man’s funeral. The bouquet you bring should not have a pronounced aroma. The choice of the appropriate option is made taking into account the shade and type of plants.
Young man
If the guy led an active lifestyle, choose yellow, blue, orange tones. You can additionally focus on the pronounced masculinity of the deceased. What flowers are worn in the cemetery in this case - irises are suitable, an alternative option is hydrangeas, simpler ones are cornflowers. If they seem too simple, they also choose the classic version so that they can be combined (roses).
Old man
Preference should be given to dark colors. Delicate options are prohibited: pink, lilac. But the bouquet you bring may well be white. Older people often prefer the classics: carnations, roses.
Carnations for men
Flowers for the grave of a deceased woman
It is necessary to place flower arrangements in the coffin of the deceased, as well as on the grave, taking into account the characteristics of character and social status:
- for housewives and women of a calm nature - delicate shades;
- business women, eccentric ladies: asymmetrical bouquets, colorful baskets.
young girl
You need to know exactly what plants are placed next to the girl after death:
- white;
- pink;
- lilac.
Light shades symbolize purity and will be relevant when composing a bouquet for a young girl.
Middle aged lady
Unusual, bright options are suitable:
- callas;
- yellow chrysanthemums;
- orchids;
- roses;
- tulips.
Preferred colors for middle-aged women (30-40 years old): red, yellow.
Elderly woman
It is recommended to buy roses, chrysanthemums or carnations. At the same time, classic flowers for a funeral for an older woman are the best choice. An arbitrary option is also suitable - those plants that the deceased loved. Suitable colors for women 50-80 years old and older:
- red;
- yellow;
- orange;
- lilac.
Scarlet shade - for a woman who was loved during her lifetime. Orange and yellow are standard options. They are suitable for middle-aged women. Funeral flowers of a special type are chosen for the grandmother - those that she loved during her lifetime.
Roses for women
Flowers on a child's grave
Suitable shades for a deceased child of any age (baby of the first year of life or teenager): white, yellow. But when deciding what flowers to buy for a funeral, you should also take into account the type of plants:
- small children are brought carnations in buds, roses, lilies, peonies;
- for teenagers: violets, as well as standard options (lilies, roses).
Bouquet for a certain age
As for the age category, you can focus on the degree of opening of the buds:
- if a teenager or young guy has died, roses, carnations, and tulips should be included in the bouquet, provided that the buds are closed;
- for older people: make up a classic bouquet of roses or carnations in white and red (the buds have blossomed).
You can also give the deceased black roses; they themselves are not associated with ritual ones, despite the color scheme. The black ribbon enhances the mourning effect.
Flowers for a colleague, friend
To unfamiliar people (teachers, neighbors, colleagues, etc.) you can assign:
- carnations;
- roses;
- callas;
- gladioli;
- chrysanthemums;
- lilies;
- dahlias.
It is advisable to take time to resolve the issue of how many flowers are brought to the funerals of unfamiliar people. This will avoid a situation where the visitor looks out of place - with a lush bouquet. When choosing a composition for a colleague, minimalism is valuable. You can bring two flowers to the funeral, the maximum number is 8 pieces.
Calla lilies for a friend
A large bouquet or basket with fresh flowers for family and friends
A completely different approach should be taken when choosing a bouquet for a loved one. There are no restrictions. When deciding how many flowers you can bring to the funeral of your sister, mother, grandmother or husband, you should take into account that the size of the composition is determined by the depth of feelings for the deceased, as well as financial capabilities.
Composition presented by several people
It is permissible to use live or artificial plants when creating a bouquet. Their number can be average or large (the rule of even numbers is always observed). Such compositions can be presented to 2-3 people or more.
flower composition
A strict, discreet bouquet without lush multi-colored compositions and decor
Who would suit a bouquet without decoration:
- adult men;
- heads of organizations of various sizes;
- unfamiliar men (teachers, colleagues, neighbors).
The color of plants and their type should be chosen taking into account the age of the deceased.
Color range of funeral bouquets
Despite the variegated palette of natural flora, it is better to choose light or dark shades, muted and calm. If you need to emphasize a particular tragedy, you can paint the flowers black. Take freshly cut white plants (roses, chrysanthemums, gerberas) and place them in a vase with cold water, where black paint was previously diluted. This bouquet is placed in a dark place for 3-5 days - and the petals will acquire the desired shade.
However, modern florists offer a wide range of already grown flowers, so you can create a ready-made composition from those already available.
Red carnations
The elegant double inflorescences of this plant are traditionally considered a symbol of resistance to troubles and enemies, a symbol of grief, mourning and, oddly enough, love - devoted, honest, to the grave. Not only the classic red color is allowed, but also dark cherry, purple, white and red.
Carnations on the grave
White lilies
Lilies are considered a symbol of purity, purity, happiness, maternal love and memory. They talk about light sadness, about longing for a departed soul. Often such plants placed on the grave are intended for young women, deceased children, or unexpectedly departed loved ones.
Lilies
Lilies are a symbol of innocence, which is why they are often used to create bouquets for brides. Each flower has several meanings. It is strictly forbidden to take donated flowers to a cemetery or tomb of the unknown soldier, to city monuments, etc. In this case, folk signs promise nothing but trouble for the young.
Chrysanthemums
These flowers on the grave are not uncommon; they are a sign of immortality. In Japan, this is the flower of the emperor, which only he was allowed to wear in the buttonholes of his jacket; the rest would face death for this daring action. For Europeans, this is the same symbol of autumn as asters. They are brought to the cemetery to elderly people who have passed away quietly and serenely.
Chrysanthemum
Pink
Pink plants have the right to be in the cemetery, but it is better to choose light pink flowers - a dim, calm color. These shades symbolize tender feelings, platonic love, friendship, tenderness. This range is appropriate in a bouquet for a mother, daughter, grandmother, or sister.
Blue
Classic blue is a symbol of eternity, heaven, where the soul of the deceased went. Also, blue plants mean a good attitude and constancy. The cold color of the Moon and death is also blue. In Christianity, it means wisdom and humility with the fact that a person has passed away.
Yellow and orange
Sunny yellow, lemon, bleached (close to white) color symbolizes separation, which fell as a heavy burden on the shoulders of the relatives of the deceased. Sometimes it means indelible longing, but at the same time - devotion, sadness for a common family hearth, love. It is also an optimistic color of eternity and faith in bright feelings. It was the yellow flowers that Margarita carried in her hands when she met her Master.
Orange is intermediate between yellow and red. It indicates already calming passion, but can be a sign of pride. Plants of this color are placed on the grave of former lovers when they want to say goodbye to them that the insult has already passed.
Dark red roses
Spiny queen flowers remain a classic expression of feelings of respect and attention. Dark red, burgundy - they will fit perfectly both on a special holiday and on the day of farewell to the deceased. The main thing is to remember the restraint of packaging and the number of pieces in the bouquet.
Dark red roses are associated with fading beauty, the end of life, congealed blood. The dark red flowers of this species are discreet, elegant, and suitable for deceased relatives and a former colleague. It's a win-win.
Roses
Combination of two or three shades
If monochromatic bouquets are not satisfied with their modesty and traditionality, they can be diluted with flowers of other tones. The main thing is not to create contrast. Dark shades should not be combined with white, blue with yellow, soft pink with burgundy.
The ideal colors for a cemetery would be simple variations:
- Choose tones of the same color scheme, combine white with yellow, orange with red, blue with purple.
- Branches of greenery can mute the tones of flowers.
- Floral packaging - transparent, matte, light or newspaper style - can make the tone more calm.
Such compositions are tied with a black ribbon, regular or with the traditional inscription “We remember, we love, we mourn.” If there is any difficulty in composing a composition for such an occasion, it is better to warn the flower shop seller about this and order a bouquet in advance.
Flowers at funerals in other countries and cultures
In Christianity (among Orthodox believers, as well as representatives of other faiths), it is customary to bring bouquets to funerals. It is also allowed to plant plants on the grave, but this should be done in spring and summer. When it’s winter outside, you need to buy fresh roses/carnations, or you can buy artificial ones.
At a Muslim funeral
Any flowers are prohibited when burying a person. If a Muslim brings a palm or other leaf, this can be interpreted as a sinful act. The presence of mourning ribbons is considered an insult.
At Jewish graves
A funeral bouquet at a grave is not welcome. According to religion, it is not customary to decorate any of the events: funerals and holidays. Plants under such conditions are considered a sign of paganism. However, there is no strict prohibition on the appearance of a bouquet of roses or other compositions next to the deceased; everything remains on the conscience of the neighbor. If an ignorant person brings flowers, they will be left near the grave.
Flowers at funerals according to Hinduism
There is no ban on the use of bouquets as coffin decoration. Moreover, the deceased is covered to the top with bright vegetation, since it is believed that the body is unclean. Guests are not prohibited from bringing bouquets as a symbol of respect shown to the deceased.
In Japan, flowers are placed next to the head and shoulders of the deceased; this should be done before the deceased is sent in a hearse for cremation.
Flowers at a Hindu funeral
Basic rules for choosing a funeral composition
Anyone who has had to deal with a funeral knows that it costs an even number to bring plants to the funeral. However, this is far from the only rule regarding floral funeral arrangements.
To present the deceased, it is recommended to choose flowers of soothing shades. No variegated, provocative floristic crops. Plants should be outwardly moderate, calm and not flashy. Both dark and light colors are allowed. The main thing is that they are monochromatic. It is not allowed to display several colors in one bouquet.
When purchasing fresh flowers, you should make sure that there is no cellophane or other wrapping on them. Even if you had to buy a bouquet already assembled, have time to remove the packaging before placing the funeral floristry in the coffin.
If it is not possible to attend the memorial event and say goodbye to the deceased in person, you should try to send a flower arrangement in absentia. It could be a wreath, a basket or just a bouquet wrapped in a black funeral ribbon with words of grief.
Other facts about the burial and flowers
There are many subtleties when decorating a grave. If you do not know them, you can disrupt important connections between the energetic substance and the body, which will also affect the transition process.
Arranging and handling flowers after the funeral
When you plan to place the bouquet in the coffin, the wrapping paper must be removed. You cannot take it home, like other things from a funeral (cemetery). During the funeral service, flowers should be placed along the entire body on both sides of it. At the last stage of the procedure, the bouquets are laid out on the grave mound.
The main condition is that the buds must be located towards the cross.
Artificial flower wreath
Wreaths made from polymer materials are not placed in the coffin. They should be left on the grave towards the end of the funeral procession. There is no need to pick up such bouquets.
When flowers are removed from a grave
It is necessary to wait until the end of the period when the soul breaks away from earthly life. After the 40th day from the moment of death, the grave can be cleaned up and the dried vegetation is thrown away. To ensure that living bouquets last longer while maintaining their original shape, they are placed in containers with water.
When wreaths are removed from a grave after a funeral
Wreaths and bouquets are removed from the grave no earlier than 40 days after the funeral. Artificial compositions are not removed at all, but are renewed at Easter or during regular visits to the cemetery. Instead of wilted plants, perennial living specimens are planted. Near the grave you can plant a Christmas tree or pine, birch, rowan, rose or peony bushes, and tulips.
In order for plants brought to the grave during burial to last longer, you must ask the florist who arranges the bouquet to treat them with special compounds.
Question-answer section
How many carnations do you buy for a funeral?
Expert opinion
Elena Belan
Florist, owner of the Velkhat flower workshop, Sergiev Posad
It all depends on who the deceased is to the person carrying the bouquet. If this is a stranger, it is enough to purchase 2-8 pieces. A loved one should bring at least 10 pcs. and more, but in the case of carnations it is not advisable to prepare a large bouquet. They look better as part of a mixed composition.
Is it possible to wear fresh flowers to a cemetery?
Expert opinion
Elena Belan
Florist, owner of the Velkhat flower workshop, Sergiev Posad
There are no restrictions: it is permissible to carry both live and artificial compositions. But they are treated differently. Living ones can be left next to the deceased during the funeral service, while artificial ones are usually placed immediately on the grave after the funeral.
Flowers for 40 days at the cemetery, how to choose an even or odd number?
Expert opinion
Elena Belan
Florist, owner of the Velkhat flower workshop, Sergiev Posad
In Russia, an even number of flowers are carried to the cemetery. If 40 days have passed since the death of a loved one, you need to visit the grave, remove dried flowers, put fresh ones or leave another wreath. As soon as it gets warmer, you should plant a perennial plant.
What is better to buy a wreath or fresh flowers for a funeral?
Expert opinion
Elena Belan
Florist, owner of the Velkhat flower workshop, Sergiev Posad
The choice must be made taking into account personal preferences, the wishes of the deceased (expressed during life), as well as financial capabilities. A polymer wreath will cost less. In addition, this option is the most practical - you do not need to change the bouquet often. But even such a wreath loses its attractiveness over time under the influence of sunlight and temperature changes. However, fresh flowers symbolize the transience of existence, and therefore in the past they were always left in the cemetery.
Flowers for Muslim cemeteries
If you are wondering what flowers to choose for Muslim cemeteries and how many flowers to bring, you need to know the following.
Muslims have their own customs and their own special attitude towards the dead, which is dictated by the rules of the Koran. In traditional Muslim cemeteries you will not see the usual monuments with a photograph of the deceased.
You will see modest graves, equipped only with a stone slab. The name of the person buried, dates of birth and death and lines from the Koran are written on the slab.
The Prophet advised against spending money on the dead and considered it more correct to take care of the living than the dead. Therefore, it is not customary to bring candles, bouquets, wreaths, artificial or fresh flowers to Muslim cemeteries.
If the deceased Muslim and his family strictly adhere to the customs of their religion, then you should not bring flowers to his grave.
However, I often see Muslim graves that are not decorated according to the rules of the Koran. I often come across Muslim graves, located among the graves of “infidels,” with a monument and a photograph of the deceased, with flowers on it.
To avoid mistakes, ask the living relatives of the person whose grave you want to visit whether you should bring flowers to a Muslim cemetery.
