Neolithic evidence
Christian association with flowers and remembrance is well documented but flowers also pre-date the death of Jesus.
Evidence of pollen has been found in Neolithic burial chambers covering the bodies of the deceased leading to speculation that the use of flowers is an indication that pre-historic man also believed in the possibility of an afterlife.
As well as the visual and spiritual comfort flowers can provide, historically they served a more utilitarian purpose.
Rosemary, associated with The Virgin Mary, also had a practical purpose as its strong smell helped mask the pungent aroma of death.
Throughout history, strongly scented flowers and aromatic herbs were used at funerals and at homes where it was customary to lay out the body before burial