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The Anglican Church in Uganda has announced the discontinuation of the practice of laying wreaths on caskets at funerals across the province.
Instead of the flowers, the Church will focus on planting trees at funerals, which it says will better preserve the memories of the departed while conserving the environment.
The move is rooted in the Church’s new strategic plan to promote environmental protection and mitigate climate change effects.
New strategic direction
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This was revealed at the recent launch of the Church of Uganda’s Strategic Planning Framework for 2026 - 2031, launched in Masaka by Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu.
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The strategic plan which will guide church operations over the next five years is themed: “Mobilising Christians for holistic development”
Dr Julian Bagyendera from Provide and Equip Consultancy Service, who helped with the development of the new plan, revealed that discarding the laying of wreaths practice was part of the strategy objective of “adoption of practices that promote environmental protection and mitigate the impacts of climate change”
“We are saying that we can promote tree growing instead of bringing wreaths, which are going to cause trouble to our environment because some of them are artificial,” she said.
Dr Julian Bagyendera revealed that this initiative was pioneered by Rev Can Amos Magezi, the bishop of the North West Ankole Diocese in Ibanda district, during the 2021-2025 strategic plan period.
As part of this plan, she also outlined a number of initiatives that the church will implement around the adoption of climate-smart agriculture and strengthening the communities to handle emergencies with resilience.
Origin of funeral wreaths
The practice of laying wreaths at funerals has ancient origins, dating back thousands of years, with roots in both ancient Greek and Roman traditions.
In ancient Greece, wreaths made of laurel, olive, or other plants were symbols of honour, victory, and eternal life.
They were often placed on the heads of victors, heroes, and the deceased. At funerals, wreaths symbolised the circle of life and death, as well as a form of tribute or respect for the dead.
The Romans continued this tradition, using wreaths in funeral processions and burial rituals. They believed the circular shape of the wreath symbolised eternity and the soul’s immortality.
As Christianity spread through Europe, the symbolism of the wreath adapted. The evergreen wreath became a symbol of eternal life through Christ.
By the Victorian era (19th century), the practice of laying wreaths made of flowers at funerals became widespread in Britain and other parts of Europe, reflecting both grief and respect for the deceased.
Today, funeral wreaths are used across many cultures and religions. While the style and materials vary, the core symbolism remains the same: a circle of honour, memory, and eternal life.
Laying a wreath is often a formal gesture made at funerals, memorials, and commemorative events, including military ceremonies.