The Meaning and Symbolism of Forget-Me-Not Seeds at Funerals

Tiny blue forget-me-not flowers carry a poignant message of remembrance. When given out at funerals, the seeds represent lasting love and honoring those we’ve lost. Forget-me-nots have become a touching funeral tradition.

What are Forget-Me-Nots?

Forget-me-nots are a flowering plant from the borage family. There are over 500 species with the common woodland forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica) being one of the most recognized.

These delicate flowers have five petals and yellow centers. Their most distinctive feature is the striking cobalt blue color. Forget-me-nots bloom in spring and summer in shades of pink, white, and blue.

In the wild, forget-me-nots grow alongside streams and rivers. But they also make lovely additions to gardens and flower arrangements. The name “forget-me-not” refers to the flowers’ heartfelt symbolism of remembrance and connection.

Forget-Me-Not History and Meaning

Legend tells of a medieval knight who picked flowers by a river for his lady love. As he fell into the river, he threw the bouquet and cried “forget me not!”

While fictional, this tale captures the sentimental meaning behind forget-me-nots. Since the 15th century, they’ve represented enduring love, connection, and remembrance.

In more recent times, forget-me-nots became a symbol of memory for those lost in war. Soldiers in WWI would wear them as a sign of remembering those who didn’t come home.

Today, the forget-me-not carries on this tradition of honoring loved ones we’ve lost. Their message of love living on makes them a fitting funeral flower.

Forget-Me-Not Seeds as a Funeral Tradition

Handing out forget-me-not seeds at funerals is a custom that’s grown in popularity over the last decade. Mourners receive a small packet of seeds as a memorial keepsake.

The seeds represent the promise of life continuing, even after death. Planting them provides an active way to honor loved ones who’ve passed on.

As the weeks go by, the seeds sprout and blossom into beautiful flowers. They create a living remembrance of someone dear. Watching new forget-me-nots grow can bring comfort and hope after loss.

When Are Seeds Given Out at Funerals?

Forget-me-not seeds make thoughtful gifts at many points during funeral proceedings:

• Along with printed programs and memorial cards
• On tables at funeral luncheons or receptions
• As part of memorial gift bags or boxes
• At the graveside service to toss onto the casket
• As thank-you gifts to those who attended to support the family

They’re also beautiful additions to funeral flower arrangements. The seeds complement white lilies, pale roses, baby’s breath, and other traditional funeral blooms.

How Mourners Can Use Forget-Me-Not Seeds

Those who receive forget-me-not seeds can choose special ways to remember their loved one:

• Plant a flower garden, mini garden, or indoor pot with the seeds
• Sprinkle seeds on the grave at the burial site
• Give seeds to others who want to participate in planting
• Include seeds in a memory scrapbook, frame, or jewelry piece
• Plant forget-me-nots at a special place that honors the deceased

Growing the blue blossoms provides an ongoing memorial to reflect on fond memories. The act of nurturing the flowers can aid the grief process.

Ordering Forget-Me-Not Seeds for Funerals

Many funeral homes provide forget-me-not seeds or can order them for families. There are also online shops with forget-me-not seed packets designed specifically for memorials.

When ordering, look for:

• Packets labeled “forget-me-not” or with funeral imagery
• Blue flowering varieties like Myosotis sylvatica
• Vendors who customize with name and dates
• Bulk ordering options
• Fast shipping for funeral timelines

Memorial seed favors have become a touching new funeral tradition. The forget-me-not’s sentimental meaning makes it the perfect flower to give in remembrance.