Every year on November 1 and 2, Cebuano families head to the cemetery to remember loved ones who have passed on. Known as Undas, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are a time for prayer, candles, food shared at the graveside, and, of course, flowers. If you’re planning what to bring this year, this guide covers the best flowers for Undas, what each one means, when to buy, and how to keep your arrangement looking fresh under the Cebu sun.
Why Do Filipinos Bring Flowers on Undas?
For Filipinos, visiting the graves of departed family members is one of the most important traditions of the year. Families clean and repaint tombs, light candles, offer prayers, and often stay for hours or even overnight. Flowers are a visible way of saying you are remembered and you are loved. A well-kept grave decorated with fresh blooms is also a sign of respect, both for the person who passed and for the family who cares for their memory.
The Best Flowers for All Souls’ Day
1. Chrysanthemums (Mums)
Chrysanthemums are the flower most closely linked with Undas in the Philippines. They’re hardy, long-lasting, and come in white, yellow, and lavender. White mums symbolize grief and honor, while yellow mums are a gentle sign of remembrance. Because they hold up well in the heat, they’re one of the most practical choices for an outdoor cemetery visit.
2. White Lilies
Lilies represent the restored innocence of the soul after death, which is why they’re a classic choice at funerals and on All Souls’ Day. Their elegant shape and soft fragrance make them perfect for a more formal arrangement or a tall standing spray.
3. Roses
Roses carry a personal, heartfelt message. White roses stand for reverence and peace, red roses for enduring love, and yellow roses for friendship and fond memories. A bouquet of roses is a beautiful way to honor a parent, spouse, or grandparent. Browse our white rose bouquets or all rose arrangements.
4. Carnations
Carnations are affordable, colorful, and surprisingly long-lasting, which makes them a favorite for families decorating several graves. White carnations represent pure love and remembrance, while pink carnations are traditionally associated with a mother’s love. See our carnation arrangements.
5. Orchids
Orchids symbolize eternal love and are a graceful, longer-lasting option. As a nod to Philippine heritage, some families choose orchids to honor loved ones. Learn more in our post about the waling-waling, the queen of Philippine orchids.
6. Native Philippine Flowers
Fragrant sampaguita, the national flower, is often strung into garlands and placed on graves and altars. Other local blooms can add a personal touch, especially if your loved one had a favorite. Discover more native flowers of the Philippines.
Undas Flowers at a Glance
| Flower | Meaning | Lasts Outdoors | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrysanthemum | Honor, remembrance | Very well | Graves, cemetery visits |
| White lily | Peace, the soul’s innocence | Moderate | Formal sprays, altars |
| White rose | Reverence, peace | Moderate | Parents, grandparents |
| Red rose | Enduring love | Moderate | Spouses, partners |
| Carnation | Pure love, a mother’s love | Well | Multiple graves, budget-friendly |
| Orchid | Eternal love | Well | Long-lasting tributes |
Choosing the Right Arrangement
- Bouquets: easy to carry and place on a tomb or in a vase. Ideal if you’re visiting more than one grave.
- Baskets: stable on flat tomb surfaces and less likely to tip over in the wind. See our flower baskets.
- Wreaths: a traditional circular tribute symbolizing eternal life. Browse our wreath arrangements.
- Standing sprays: tall, formal arrangements for mausoleums and family plots. View our funeral and sympathy arrangements.
Not sure what’s appropriate? Our guide to sympathy flowers in Cebu explains common choices and etiquette.
When to Buy Flowers for Undas in Cebu
The days leading up to November 1 are among the busiest of the year for Cebu florists. Flower supplies get tight and markets like Carbon get crowded, so planning ahead makes a big difference.
- Order custom arrangements by late October. Wreaths, standing sprays, and large baskets take time to prepare.
- Buy loose flowers 1 to 2 days before your visit. This gives you the freshest blooms without them wilting before you arrive.
- Avoid last-minute shopping on October 31. Expect long lines, limited choices, and heavy traffic around downtown Cebu City.
Shopping in person? Read our tips on buying affordable fresh flowers in Carbon Market, or see our full guide on where to buy flowers in Cebu.
How to Keep Undas Flowers Fresh in the Heat
- Keep them cool in transit. Don’t leave flowers in a parked car; heat builds up fast.
- Bring water. Pack a bottle to top up vases or moisten floral foam once you arrive.
- Trim the stems. A fresh diagonal cut just before placing them helps the flowers drink.
- Choose shade when you can. Position arrangements where they’ll get some shelter from the afternoon sun.
- Pick heat-tolerant blooms. Chrysanthemums, carnations, and orchids handle the heat better than delicate flowers.
For more tips, see our guide to preserving flowers in Cebu’s tropical climate.
Can’t Visit This Year? Send Flowers Instead
Many Cebuanos living abroad or in other parts of the Philippines can’t make it home for Undas. You can still take part by sending flowers to your family’s home in Metro Cebu, where they can be brought to the cemetery or placed on a home altar beside photos and candles. We deliver across Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Mactan, and Talisay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common flower for All Souls’ Day in the Philippines?
Chrysanthemums are the most traditional choice, followed by white lilies, roses, and carnations. Mums are popular because they’re long-lasting and hold up well outdoors.
What color flowers should I bring to the cemetery?
White is the most common color for remembrance, symbolizing peace and respect. Yellow, lavender, and soft pink are also appropriate. Many families simply choose their loved one’s favorite flower or color.
Do flower prices go up before Undas?
Demand rises sharply in the last days of October, so prices and availability can change. Ordering early is the best way to get the arrangement you want.
Can I order Undas flowers online in Cebu?
Yes. You can message Flower Bar Cebu, choose an arrangement, and arrange delivery within Metro Cebu. This is ideal for OFWs and family members who can’t be there in person.
Honor Your Loved Ones with Flower Bar Cebu
This Undas, let us help you prepare a fitting tribute. Visit us at Unit 2 Carbon Market, Ermita, Cebu City (open daily, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM), call or text +63 917 305 3194, or message us on Facebook. Order early to secure your arrangement before the November rush.
With years of experience as a trusted florist and flower shop owner in Cebu, Evelyn Aragon is the heart behind Flower Bar Cebu. Her local expertise in sourcing the freshest flowers and understanding Cebuano preferences ensures exceptional floral artistry for every occasion.