A girl of about seven or eight walks carefully up the aisle of the church, captivating the attention of all, as she holds a beautiful bouquet of flowers. She stares at her feet, carefully measuring each step. At the pulpit, she's not met by a beaming bride and handsome groom. Instead, she approaches a coffin. She places the bouquet upon the altar and turns to exit left from the procession, her elaborate flowing white dress billowing behind her. Does this seem out of place? For some southern and predominantly black churches, it is hardly even remarkable. For most, however, it is a very strange concept. Regardless, less than half a century ago, this was common practice in many Southern churches, both predominantly black and predominantly white.

Its origin is fairly unknown, although its occurrence has been recorded across the country as recently as the 1960's. However, in the following decade, the ritual shifted from children bearing the flowers to adults.

It seems that shift is due to the fact that children being involved in such a somber ceremony would be scarring for young girls, but previous flower girls have claimed to be unaffected by the experience. One such former flower girl, Sylvia Hatchell, explains, “"I think it's good to identify with death at a young age.” Exposing the young to the idea of death at an early age provides them with a greater understanding of life.

Along with a greater understanding, the flower children are given an opportunity to offer something to their loved ones in their time of need. Often children struggle with a lack of purpose in situations where final arrangements must be made. In the case of flower children, they feel important in the process which is so burdening their families. It adds to their growth as individuals as well as their personal feeling of worth and purpose. It is considered an honor to be chosen as a flower child in these ceremonies.

With the passing years, the ceremony became considerably less popular, but can still be found today in many churches. Their merit, although questioned by many, is apparent. We should not shield our young from the reality of death. It is as much a part of life as birth. And through the symbolism of flowers, the young generation can contribute in a way that was previously impossible, and add to the cycle of life and death.