THE SACRED MARIGOLD FLOWER
Mexico’s Most Iconic Flower
Each fall, the hillsides of Mexico come alive with the seasonal arrival of the beautiful bright orange marigold flowers, known in Mexico as cempasúchil, or flor de muerto. The marigold flowers bloom at the end of the rainy season in Mexico, and are ready to be harvested just in time for Día de Muertos.
The marigold flower is one of the most easily recognizable symbols of Día de Los Muertos and it plays a significant role in the celebration of honoring and remembering deceased loved ones. It is believed that the marigold flowers’ distinctive fragrance and vibrant colors, which symbolize the sun’s rays, help to guide spirits back to the land of the living to join their relatives and loved ones.
“Marigold flowers are one of the most easily recognizable symbols of Día de Los Muertos. They are magical, and it’s very easy to be swept away by their fragrance and stunning appearance.”
— Victoria Araceli Vann
During this important celebration, sensational displays of marigold flowers decorate grave sites, archways, walkways and crucifixes. The flowers are also used to adorn private altars or ofrendas constructed in honor of those who have passed.
Marigold petals are pulled from the flower and used to make elaborate designs, or placed on the floor in front of the altar to mark a path for the spirits to follow. Sugar skulls, candles, fruits, the favorite drinks of the deceased and their possessions are also used to decorate the altars. Some family members chose to build elaborate tapestries using marigolds.
Altar remembrances often celebrate the life of the dearly departed by exhibiting what they loved in life -- their profession, community, family, hobbies, and even their pets.
Those on this side of “the veil of life” are reminded that they too will one day pass to the other side where deceased relatives now reside. Throughout Mexico, The United States, and numerous countries around the world families often gather in cemeteries at the grave sites of their departed to honor their loved ones, and celebrate the significance of their legacies.
It’s easy to be swept away by the beautiful (and beautifully decorated) tradition, which presents a very special opportunity for those who have lost loved ones to feel close to them again.
