Flowers, which symbolize the brevity of life, are an essential element of the Day of the Deadofrenda. Though many different flowers are used in Day of the Dead celebrations, one flower has become a national symbol for the festival: the marigold. Also calledcempasúchil(the flower of 400 lives),k'etsikarhani, orcempoaxotchil, the marigold holds a revered place in pre-Columbian religious history. According to legend,cempasúchil, which comes from the Nahuatl wordscemposalli, meaning “twenty,” andxochitl, or “flower,” making marigolds the “flower of twenty petals,” were miraculously gifted to the Nahua by Tonatiuh, their sun god, so that they might honor their dead. Today, the marigold continues to be featured prominently in all aspects of Day of the Dead rituals.
Marigolds are used in the construction of the floral arches, garlands, wreaths, crucifixes, and five-point stars that accompanyofrendasin many regions and in the decoration of gravesites and home altars. In addition to its decorative uses, the marigold serves a practical purpose in Day of the Dead rituals. Prized for their bright coloring and potent fragrance, marigolds are thought to attract the souls of the dead to theofrendasprepared for them. Families will often scatter marigold petals forming a path from their front doors to theofrendawaiting within the home. In smaller towns, families might even lay a floral path from the cemetery to their front doors to lead the dead home. In larger towns where this is not possible, a family might still scatter a path of marigold petals in the direction of the cemetery to ensure that the souls of the dead make their way safely to and from their final destinations. The petals of the marigold are also thought to possess cleansing properties, and families will often use them to form a cross on the floor in front of theofrendaso that the souls may be cleansed of their sins and guilt when they tread upon it.
Covarrubias, A. M. (2012). Día DE LOS MUERTOS (DAY OF THE DEAD). In M. Herrera-Sobek,Celebrating Latino folklore: an encyclopedia of cultural traditions. ABC-CLIO. Credo Reference: https://ezproxy.ollusa.edu/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/abcclioclft/dia_de_los_muertos_day_of_the_dead/0?institutionId=3517
FAQs
Prized for their bright coloring and potent fragrance, marigolds are thought to attract the souls of the dead to the ofrendas prepared for them. Families will often scatter marigold petals forming a path from their front doors to the ofrenda waiting within the home.
What do incense and marigolds have in common in Day of the Dead celebrations? ›
Copal or incense – burned to guide the souls through its aroma. Marigolds (cempasuchitl) flowers – dispersed along the entrance of the house, making a path towards the altar. Mat or rug – placed at the foot of the altar for the soul to rest after their long journey home.
What do marigolds symbolize in Mexico? ›
Known in Mexico as 'the flower of the dead', the Mexican marigold plays a key role in the annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. The blooms are used to decorate altars to the dead, known as 'ofrendas', with their bright orange colour and strong scent thought to help guide the spirits of the dead home.
Why is the cempasúchil important to the day of death? ›
Often called “flowers of the dead,” cempasúchil, or flor de muerto, these bright orange and yellow flowers' fragrance is said to attract souls to the altar.
What do marigolds symbolize in the story? ›
Miss Lottie's marigolds represent the possibility of a happy, beautiful life—even amid the dreariness of poverty. Lizabeth describes the shantytown where she lives as grim, dusty, and colorless.
What is marigold used for? ›
The main medicinal applications of marigold are skin conditions of all kinds, including contusions, bruises and varicose veins. Minor skin injuries and inflammation can also be successfully treated. Marigold ointment promotes wound healing for eczema and sunburns.
What is the history of marigolds? ›
Marigolds, both French and African, are indigenous to Mexico and Guatemala. They were discovered in the early 16th century and brought to Europe and Northern Africa in the late 16th century where they were quickly adopted into gardens. The family name, Tagetes, is derived from a mythical Etruscan deity.
What do marigolds mean in culture? ›
Marigold Symbolism
The marigold flower, known scientifically as Tagetes erecta, boasts a rich cultural history in Mexico. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, marigolds have deep symbolic meaning. They are often associated with life and death, making them a perfect choice for the Day of the Dead celebration.
What is the main symbol of Day of the Dead? ›
Brightening up awnings, arches and ofrendas, cempasuchil flowers (marigolds) are a prominent symbol of Día de los Muertos. Fresh or sometimes made of paper, marigolds are thought to guide the souls of loved ones from the Land of the Dead to the offerings left out for them.
What is the myth of the marigolds? ›
The story goes that Mictecacihuatl allowed spirits to travel back to earth to reconnect with their family members. The fragrance, which is a musky smell, from marigolds is said to lead souls from their burial place to their family homes.
Background. Edible flowers are defined as innocuous and nontoxic flowers with health benefits when consumed as human diet. So far, hundreds of edible flowers have been identified. Among them, marigold is one of the popular edible flowers which has been used from ancient times.
What do marigolds smell like? ›
“They have an overpowering musky smell like wet hay or straw,” Berghage said. “It's particularly strong when marigolds are cut and brought indoors.”
Why are marigolds often included in ofrendas? ›
Specifically, marigolds are used because legend says that their vibrant colors and pungent scent help guide the spirits of the deceased back to their families' ofrendas.
How do you string marigolds for Día de los Muertos? ›
If you're using African marigolds, run the needle vertically through the center of the flower. For French marigolds, I like to string them horizontally. Whatever method you use, keep stringing flowers — pushing them right up next to each other — until you have 6 inches left at the other end of the embroidery floss.
What is the role of the sugar skulls and marigolds? ›
Flowers, butterflies and skulls are typically used as symbols. The cempasúchil, a type of marigold flower native to Mexico, is often placed on ofrendas and around graves. With their strong scent and vibrant color the petals are used to make a path that leads the spirits from the cemetery to their families' homes.
What do flowers have to do with the Day of the Dead? ›
Cempazuchitl flowers, or marigolds, are considered the Day of the Dead flowers. They have a very distinct smell, and, when paired with the right kind of candle, believers say the souls of the departed return for a brief period of time to enjoy the pleasures of life once more.
