Do you send flowers or give money at a Jehovah's Witness funeral?

Answer 1

We sure do. Jehovah made flowers. We have flowers at other events at our Kingdom Halls also. Also at our conventions we use shrubs and flowers.

Watchtower 1991 10/15 p. 31 Questions From Readers

'If it is well-known that a custom (or a design, such as the cross) has a false religious meaning, avoid it. Christians would thus not send flowers in the form of a cross, or a red heart if that is viewed as having religious significance.

Or there may be some formal way in which flowers are used at a funeral or at a grave site that has a religious meaning locally. The Christian should avoid that too.

That is not to say, though, that simply providing a bouquet at a funeral or giving flowers to a friend in the hospital must be viewed as a religious act that must be avoided.

On the contrary, in many lands the custom of providing flowers is widespread and is viewed as an appropriate kindness. Flowers can contribute some beauty and can make a sad occasion more pleasant. They also may be a gesture of sympathy and concern'

Answer 2

Yes most Jehovah's Witnesses accept flowers as generally this is merely a kind gesture of sympathy and respect towards the family. Exceptions to this may occur if the motive for sending the flowers differs. For example some communities follow pagan traditions or customs and sending flowers may be for the motive of honoring the dead or some other ritual.In such cases Jehovah's Witnesses would not want to be seen by the community as following such customs that differ from their own beliefs.

Answer 3

Yes, in fact, in most cases when a funeral talk is conducted at the Kingdom Hall, there will often be flowers displayed on the platform. Flowers can help cheer someone up. Jehovah's Witnesses firmly believe in the resurrection hope, and we look forward to the future when we can again be reunited with those who have died. Flowers remind us of life and hope, and they are a nice gesture.

Answer 4

Jehovah's Witnesses do not have any problem with the sending of flowers or fruit baskets, etc to a funeral or to the family of a deceased person. These are nice gestures of sympathy, and JW's do this all the time. The only things we do not do are things associated with spiritism or pagan religion. That is why we don't engage in some of the traditions that many religions today do, which many are actually from ancient pagan superstitions. There is no indication that sending flowers or fruit is associated in any way with any pagan ritual or superstition. Therefore, sending this would doubtless be appreciated by the family.

Answer 5

Yes most Jehovah's Witnesses accept flowers as generally this is merely a kind gesture of sympathy and respect towards the family. Exceptions to this may occur if the motive for sending the flowers differs. For example some communities follow pagan traditions or customs and sending flowers may be for the motive of honoring the dead or some other ritual.In such cases Jehovah's Witnesses would not want to be seen by the community as following such customs that differ from their own beliefs.

Answer 6

Cards and flowers are most welcome. (Just no cards with a cross on them, since Jehovah Witnesses don't believe in it.)

Answer 7

Yes, sending flowers is completely acceptable.

Answer 8

You can if you wish to. Sending flowers is a very kind gesture to another person.

Answer 9

Yes