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Guide to Writing Large Cards for Hong Kong Funeral Flower Stands

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In Hong Kong, funeral flower stands (often called 花牌) are an important expression of respect and condolence. The large card attached to these stands is not just decorative—it communicates your sympathy to the family, your respect for the deceased, and identifies who is sending the flowers. Writing a proper card involves understanding cultural norms, formal language, layout, and symbolism. This guide will cover everything step by step.

1. Understanding the Purpose of the Large Card

A funeral card on a flower stand serves multiple purposes:

  1. Express Condolences
    The card expresses your respect and sorrow for the deceased, often using formal phrases.
  2. Show Respect
    It is a way of honoring the deceased publicly, especially in traditional Chinese and Cantonese culture.
  3. Identify the Sender
    The card also communicates who is offering the flowers—whether an individual, a family, a company, or an organization.
  4. Cultural Significance
    The language, layout, and even the colors of the card have symbolic meaning. Using inappropriate wording or colors can unintentionally offend or appear disrespectful.

Key takeaway: The card should be formal, concise, and respectful. Avoid casual language, humor, or celebratory words.

2. Choosing the Right Card

The card itself carries symbolic meaning in terms of size, shape, and color.

A. Card Size

  • Large cards (often A3 or bigger) are typical for funeral flower stands.
  • Size should match the flower arrangement; a small card looks out of proportion on a large stand.

B. Color

  • White or cream background → symbolizes mourning.
  • Yellow accents → sometimes used for formal condolences.
  • Text color: Black, dark blue, or gold is standard.
  • Avoid red, pink, bright colors → associated with weddings and celebrations.

C. Material

  • Sturdy card stock is preferred.
  • Ensure the ink won’t smudge in case of rain if displayed outdoors.

3. Structure of the Card

A traditional Hong Kong funeral card has two main sections: the condolence message and the sender’s information.

A. Condolence Message (Top / Center)

This is the heart of the card. It expresses sympathy and respect for the deceased.

Common Phrases in Cantonese (Traditional Chinese):

  • 謹此致哀 – Respectfully offer condolences
  • 深切哀悼 – Deep mourning
  • 永遠懷念 – Forever remembered
  • 安息 – Rest in peace
  • 致以沉痛哀悼 – Express deepest condolences

Examples of Full Messages:

  • 「謹此致哀，永遠懷念」 – Respectful condolences, forever remembered.
  • 「深切哀悼，安息」 – Deep condolences, rest in peace.
  • 「追悼敬愛的故人，願您安息」 – In memory of the beloved deceased, may you rest in peace.

Tips for the Condolence Message:

  • Keep it short and formal, usually 4–8 characters per phrase.
  • Avoid overly emotional or poetic language unless you are very familiar with traditional funeral conventions.
  • The message is typically centered and prominent on the card.

B. Sender Information (Bottom Section)

This section identifies who sent the flowers. It should be written below the condolence message and can include:

  1. Individual:
    • Example: 「張三敬送」 (Respectfully sent by Zhang San)
  2. Family:
    • Example: 「張氏家族敬送」 (Respectfully sent by the Zhang family)
  3. Company / Organization:
    • Example: 「某某公司敬送」 (Respectfully sent by [Company Name])

Notes:

  • The sender’s name is usually smaller than the condolence message for visual balance.
  • If sending on behalf of multiple people or an organization, list the entity rather than individuals.
  • Formality is crucial—avoid casual or nicknames.

4. Writing Etiquette and Cultural Norms

When writing a funeral card, there are important etiquette rules:

  1. Formal Language: Use respectful, traditional Chinese characters.
  2. Avoid Certain Numbers: Avoid “4” if possible, as it sounds like death in Cantonese, especially in the sender’s name.
  3. Vertical vs Horizontal Writing:
    • Vertical writing is traditional and more formal.
    • Horizontal writing is acceptable if using pre-printed cards.
  4. Calligraphy:
    • Use a brush pen or black marker.
    • Ensure the handwriting is neat and legible.
  5. Proofread Carefully: A typo on a funeral card is considered highly disrespectful.

5. Optional Enhancements

  • Poetic Lines: Some families or companies add a short classical mourning phrase, like:
    • 「千古英靈，永垂不朽」 – Eternal spirit, remembered forever
  • Framing or Decoration: Small decorative flourishes in muted colors are acceptable.
  • Positioning: The condolence message is always central, and the sender information is at the bottom.

6. Step-by-Step Writing Process

  1. Choose the Words: Select a formal, appropriate condolence message.
  2. Draft on Scrap Paper: Practice your calligraphy and check the layout.
  3. Write Condolence Message First: Center it at the top/middle of the card.
  4. Add the Sender’s Name: Below the condolence message, slightly smaller.
  5. Check for Errors: Review characters, spacing, and alignment.
  6. Attach the Card Neatly: Ensure it is secure on the flower stand and legible from a distance.

7. Layout Examples

Individual Sender

Top / Center (Condolence Message):
深切哀悼
永遠懷念

Bottom (Sender):
張三敬送

Family Sender

謹此致哀
追悼故人
張氏家族敬送

Company / Organization

致以沉痛哀悼
某某公司敬送

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using casual, humorous, or celebratory language.
  • Using bright colors like red or pink.
  • Writing the sender’s name above the condolence message.
  • Misspelling Chinese characters.
  • Making the message overly long or cluttered.
  • Ignoring hierarchy in sender information (family names first, then company).

9. Quick Tips and Best Practices

  1. Keep it formal, concise, and respectful.
  2. Use traditional Chinese characters.
  3. Balance the visual layout: condolence message large and centered, sender smaller at the bottom.
  4. Use proper pen or brush to avoid smudging.
  5. Proofread multiple times—respect is in the details.
  6. When in doubt, copy professional examples from flower shops; local florists in Hong Kong are highly experienced with proper phrasing.

10. Optional: Classic Condolence Phrases for Reference

  • 謹此致哀，永遠懷念
  • 深切哀悼，安息
  • 追悼敬愛的故人，願您安息
  • 致以沉痛哀悼
  • 千古英靈，永垂不朽

These can be combined with sender information for a polished final card.