<I>Wire frames, crown</I>

ca. 1860-1940

Crown floral arrangements came in variety of shapes, both flat or “in the round” frames. Some crowns were incorporated into larger arrangements, often combined with other frames such as the book or the cross. Crown flower frames were used in the funerals of ladies and gentlemen and was especially popular with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. In mourning symbolism of the nineteenth century, crowns were symbolic of victory over death. Instead of the earthly crown of royalty, this symbol referred to the heavenly crown, which represented the attainment of celestial honors. Victory over death is rooted in the tenants of the Christian faith, and in the nineteenth century this concept was magnified. Death and eternity in heaven were seen as the victory of faithfulness. Symbols of victory reminded the Christian that whatever pain and suffering one may endure, they would come out on the other side into glory and heaven. In addition to symbolic shapes, references to victory were made through the “Language of Flowers” by using palm, laurel, or nasturtium. As they alluded to the reward at life’s end, set pieces in the form of victory symbols were especially suited to funerals, but they might also be used at other religious events and occasions.