Funeral & Memorial Flowers in Japan — Kyōka, Makurabana & Kenka

Kuge

供花 — flowers of condolence and remembrance

The flowers we offer in mourning carry several names and customs. This is a gentle guide to the difference between kyōka, makurabana and kenka, to the etiquette of each faith, and to how the flowers are arranged — from the view of a Sapporo florist.

Flowers offered in quiet remembrance

Kyōka, makurabana and kenka.

The flowers of mourning take different names according to the occasion and the customs of giving. Knowing these differences is the first step toward arranging them without unintended discourtesy.

供花

kyōka / kuge. Flowers set on either side of the altar. They are an offering to the deceased and an expression of condolence to the bereaved family; a name board (the giver's name) is usually attached.

枕花

makurabana. Flowers placed at the pillow of the deceased soon after word of the passing, before the wake. They are sent only by those who were especially close.

献花

kenka. At Christian or non-religious farewells, the custom of offering a single stem each at the altar. White carnations and the like are used.

花輪

hanawa. A large standing wreath set outside the hall. In recent years it has grown less common in cities, giving way to kyōka.

By faith, the flowers change.

Even among the flowers of mourning, the fitting blooms and their names differ by faith and sect.

Buddhist · 仏式

White as the keynote

Chiefly white chrysanthemums, white lilies and white carnations, sometimes with a restrained touch of pale colour. As a rule, thorned flowers and strongly scented blooms are avoided.

Shinto · 神式

Sakaki and white flowers

Sakaki branches and white-toned flowers are used, and showy colours are held back. The names and customs largely follow the Buddhist rite, and the flowers are offered together with a tamagushi (a sacred sakaki offering).

Christian · キリスト教式

"Kenka" with Western flowers

Western flowers such as white lilies and carnations, arranged in a basket. Rather than "kyōka," it is called kenka, and a name board may be kept modest or omitted altogether.

🕊️ On colour: A single white was long the standard, but in recent years softer arrangements are welcomed too — a pale touch of a colour the deceased loved, for instance. When in doubt, keep white as the keynote.

First, confirm.

Begin by confirming whether flowers may be sent at all. Customs differ by funeral hall, by region and by the family's wishes.

Check with the bereaved family or the funeral company (hall) whether flowers may be sent, the faith of the rite, and the deadline for receiving them. If the family has declined offerings, refrain from sending.

Have ready the name of the hall, the date and time of the wake or funeral, and the family name.

Decide the name to appear on the board — a company name and title, an individual name, or several names together.

Place the order with the florist — faith, budget, the hall for delivery, and the delivery date and time.

As a guide, deliver up to a few hours before the wake begins, allowing time for the flowers to be arranged in place.

Name board

"供" at the top, and the giver's name below. A company lists its firm name, the title and the individual's name; where names are joined, the most senior is placed on the right.

Price guide

Roughly ¥7,000–20,000 per stand. Flowers are sometimes given as a matching pair (two stands).

Delivery

As a rule, addressed to the funeral hall rather than the home. Some halls have a designated florist.

※ Flower colours, name boards, whether outside flowers may be brought in, and deadlines all vary by hall, region and faith. Please always confirm with the bereaved family or the funeral hall/company.