Each year on All Souls’ Day, families honour departed loved ones through quiet rituals of remembrance – offering flowers, saying prayers, and sharing moments of reflection that bridge the love between the living and the dead.
Bouquets of memory and love
EACH year, All Souls’ Day rekindles a harmony between the dead and the living. It is a day when we reserve our thoughts and prayers for those who are no longer here – a day to visit their tombs, lay bouquets of their favourite flowers, or flowers that offer eternal prayers, sharing a quiet whisper that lasts an eternity.
For florist Winnie Florida, she has been in the industry for seven years and has witnessed numerous bouquet requests etched with memories. All Souls’ Day carries deep meaning for her, as she grew up observing the practice of leaving bouquets at her loved ones’ tombs with her parents.
“Growing up, All Souls’ Day was always a quiet and meaningful family moment. I remember following my parents to the cemetery early in the morning, carrying fresh flowers and lighting candles.
“There was something very peaceful about seeing the rows of blooms – a reminder that love continues even after someone is gone. That tradition stayed with me and shaped how I see flowers as a language of remembrance,” she told Sarawak Tribune.
As a florist, she believes the day is about honouring bonds that time cannot break. It reminds her that flowers have the power to comfort and connect hearts.
“When I design arrangements for this day, I try to express not only beauty but also the quiet message of love, gratitude, and respect,” she said.
With more than half a decade of experience, she has met many clients who have engaged her to arrange flowers for them. Each bouquet tells a story, carrying lessons that she cherishes to this day.
According to her, many customers share heartfelt stories about their loved ones when commissioning her services. These personal details often guide flower choices, which Winnie then helps express through her arrangements.
“There was one arrangement that truly moved me. It was for a young lady who had passed away – someone who happened to be my schoolmate. Her family requested soft pink tones because she loved gentle, pastel colours.
“Creating that bouquet was deeply emotional; every stem felt like a quiet whisper of her memory. It reminded me that behind every arrangement lies a story of love, remembrance, and loss,” recalled the 39-year-old.
The traditions behind a bouquet
According to the florist, chrysanthemums are the most traditional choice because they symbolise eternal life and remembrance. Lilies are also popular for their purity, while white roses represent peace and eternal love.
“Some families also prefer carnations and orchids, which last longer and carry meanings of devotion and everlasting affection,” Winnie added.
During All Souls’ Day, white is the most common flower colour, as it symbolises peace and respect. Yellow often represents gratitude, while purple signifies dignity and mourning. However, some families request other colours, though Winnie usually avoids bright or festive tones for this occasion.
In Sarawak, with its diverse cultural influences, some families prefer simple chrysanthemums, while others incorporate tropical blooms such as lilies or orchids to reflect local identity. It’s a blend of respect and cultural pride, unique to the community, she said.
“For the Chinese community, we avoid bright red flowers as they are associated with celebrations, not mourning. Numbers also matter – we never use arrangements with four stalks, as ‘four’ sounds like ‘death’ in Chinese. Other communities may not have strict taboos, but most still prefer softer colours and simple designs to reflect solemnity,” she revealed.
Regarding the generational gap, Winnie disclosed that the older generation tends to stick to tradition, offering only white chrysanthemums and simple, formal arrangements.
Meanwhile, younger generations are more open to personal touches, such as pastel tones, modern wrapping, or mixed blooms that reflect their loved ones’ personalities. Regardless of the differences, she believes it is a beautiful evolution that keeps the sentiment alive.
Stalks of memories
When arranging a remembrance bouquet, Winnie often begins with emotion, then follows with symbolism and simplicity. She believes the beauty of a remembrance bouquet comes from its meaning, not extravagance.
“I think flowers for the departed should speak gently – through thoughtful colours, textures, and the balance of peace in the design.”
Asked whether she prefers fresh or preserved flowers, Winnie commented that fresh flowers carry a living message.
“They bloom and fade just like memories, reminding us of the beauty of impermanence. However, for practical reasons, preserved flowers are also popular, especially when families cannot visit the cemetery often.”
To her, each has its own meaning; it depends on how one wishes to express remembrance.
As the day passes, like the wind brushing against petals at the tombs of loved ones, the memories of those who are no longer here remain. As she arranges the flowers, ready to be offered on All Souls’ Day, she hopes visitors take a quiet moment to remember — not with sadness, but with gratitude.
“Each flower you place carries your love, your prayers, and your memories. It’s not about saying goodbye; it’s about honouring a bond that time can never erase. Flowers fade, but love remains,” she concluded as she wrapped a bouquet.
