Flowers and Death

Hi friends,

It’s my favorite month of the year! Flowers bloom without anxiety around their short lives, just enjoying the time they get in the sun and rain (at least, I think so). Trees have rested through the winter and now have the energy to once again grow their leaves, and the deer are back at their favorite restaurant (my garden) for another round of fine dining.

This month I am taking a look at the history of flowers being involved in funeral practices, as well as what a few of them symbolize. Keep scrolling and you’ll find the features of the month, including a podcast featuring yours truly. At the end is my consistently favorite part, a cute comic!

And, of course: HAPPY PRIDE! I have so much love and respect for anyone who, like the flowers, blooms and lives as their true authentic self. That is an extremely courageous and beautiful thing to do. Please know that you have my full support, always.

I hope you enjoy June’s newsletter. I am here if you, or anyone you know, needs help with end of life issues.

Delaware passed the Death With Dignity law!! Thank you to everyone who added their name to the petition. From the DWD website:

HB140 is Signed Into Law

Current Status: On May 20, 2025, Governor Matt Meyer signed the Ron Silverio/Heather Block End of Life Options Act (HB140) into law, making Delaware the 12th U.S. jurisdiction to legalize Death with Dignity!

What Happens Next? We are waiting for the law to go into effect at the latest Jan. 1, 2026, unless the required regulations can be implemented sooner.

Flowers and death are inextricably linked. Traditionally, they were used to mask the unpleasant smell of the dead body being honored (luckily we have learned about refrigeration since then) as well as a sign of reverence and appreciation.

Below are a few examples of flowers that are popular in end of life celebrations:

The first confirmed use of flowers being used in a funeral practice was documented by Dr. Ralph Solecki. In 1951, he excavated the Shanidar Cave in Northern Iraq which served as a burial site for Neanderthals, dating back to 62,000 BC.

(cont.) After testing the dirt around these burial sites, it was determined that there was a substantial amount of flower and pollen pieces, suggesting the use of large gatherings of flowers. Nay sayers think the pollen was from a whole lot of bees so… who knows really? I do like the idea of neanderthals laying flowers at a burial site though.

Other popular flowers used in funeral services include gladiolus, roses, orchids, forget-me-nots, hydrangeas, tulips, and hyacinths.

You don’t have to be dead to enjoy flowers- pick yourself some today and celebrate being alive!

Book

The perfect book when talking about flowers! This helpful guide called Death Nesting dives into the many comfort measures that doulas can provide. “In this practical and compassionate guide, death doula educator Anne-Marie Keppel incorporates ancient and modern techniques, mindfulness practices, and herbal support to show how anyone can care for the dying, whether at home, in hospice, or even in the ICU.”

Podcast

Okay, the podcast this month is one I was on! Jill McLennen, death doula, podcast host, and apparel designer, had me on her podcast Seeing Death Clearly. Check it out for an honest and open conversation on what it’s like to work as a death doula!

Artwork

The Dead Women (Les Mortes), Gustav Adolf Mossa, 1908

French symbolist painter Gustav Adolf Mossa created this piece in 1908, and yet it was only after his death that it was displayed publicly. Using watercolor and ink, he juxtaposes the vibrancy and frivolity of vanity and fancy clothing with decay and morbidity. Mossa is giving a nod to the transient nature of life and beauty, and the inevitability of our own passing. (I also just love these dresses and would really like one for myself.)

Song

“Eastern Sun, melt the cold from my bones curtain rise, take the darkness from my eyes breathing in, pulling life into my lungs as a child I am born again”

Eastern Sun by Ayla Nereo is a beautiful ode to sun, nature, and new life- perfect for the beginning of summer!

Comic

artist unknown (if you know, please tell me!)

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