Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, is a traditional Mexican holiday that dates back 3,000 years and is still celebrated today.
Every year, on November 1 and November 2, past family members travel back to the land of the living to be reunited with loved ones. During this celebrated time, families come together to honor their past relatives by creating ofrendas, or altars, that are adorned with food, drinks, flowers, vibrant décor, personal items of relatives, photos and more. Ofrendas are not only a representation of those we have lost in this world, but it’s also meant to nourish the souls of our past loved ones after their long journey back. That is why you will see ofrendas with favorite foods and drinks, often including pan de muerto, a traditional Mexican bread.
Although this holiday is close to October 31 and is associated with calaveras, or skeletons, Day of the Dead is not to be confused with Halloween. While Halloween stems from Celtic traditions, trick-or-treating and scary costumes, Day of the Dead is a joyous celebration for families to reunite between the living world and the afterlife. And even though it’s heavily celebrated in Mexico, other regions in Latin America and the United States also take part in this holiday today. With this holiday reaching many parts of the world, there are tons of Day of the Dead traditions that have been passed down throughout the years. One of these customs includes decorating the ofrendas in symbolic Day of the Dead flowers.
One of the most popular flowers associated with this holiday is the bright orange and yellow marigold flower, also known as the flor de cempasúchil, which helps guide the souls back with its scent. However, due to region, tradition and availability, this isn’t the only flower that you will see during Day of the Dead. From chrysanthemums to co*ckscomb, there are several other symbolic flowers. That is why we are sharing some of the many Day of the Dead flowers that are widely seen during this beautiful celebration and their significance.
Marigolds
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. Their bright and cheery color also celebrate life instead of feeling bitter about death. Real or paper marigolds appear on altars, crosses and garlands — and sometimes people even create a marigold path from their home to the altar. Remezcla reports that the earliest written mention of cempasúchil dates back to the 16th century, in the Florentine Codex. The Spanish Franciscan friar Bernardino de Sahagún described the Aztecs’ medicinal use of various flowers and plants, including the marigold’s use in a festival commemorating the dead.
co*ckscomb
The terciopelo rojo or co*ckscomb are combined in decorations and on altars with marigolds as a prime example of how Catholic and Aztec culture intermingle in modern Day of the Dead celebrations. According to the Mexican Folk Art Guide, the deep red flower symbolizes the blood of Christ, although their brightness keeps the altar looking vibrant and cheerful, rather than the somber and dreary mood many of us in the United States associate with death and remembrance. In addition, the flowers can last up to eight weeks, especially in the hot and humid climates where they typically grow.
Chrysanthemum
White flowers also frequently appear in Day of the Dead celebrations, which is fitting because they’re said to symbolize peace, beauty and sympathy. The white chrysanthemum, in particular, is used in funerals and Day of the Dead altars, according to an article by Cake Blog. They originate from Spain, where they appear prominently on All Souls Day and in funeral floral arrangements. Similarly, white baby’s breath may appear in Day of the Dead arrangements, often for its cloud-like clusters that lend an ethereal aura to a bouquet.
Gladiolas
You may see these long-stalked blooms laid on gravesites and tombstones during Day of the Dead ceremonies, because they traditionally represent remembrance and faithfulness in many cultures. They may be used on their own or as part of a bouquet, often with baby’s breath or other traditional blooms to round things out. It’s also an impressive-looking flower, with its long stem and showy blossoms, making it a perfect focal point for a larger arrangement.
White Hoary Stock
You may see white hoary stock used for altars remembering lost children, in particular. The flower symbolizes beauty and simplicity, according to the Mexican Folk Art Guide, and the blooms have a delicate, sweet fragrance. While the flowers also come in lots of other colors, including purple, red and blue, symbolism comes into play here. White recalls innocence, which is why you’ll typically see white hoary stock on altars memorializing those who died too young.
Baby's Breath
Signifying purity, love and innocence, these delicate white flowers are often used as an accent in floral arrangements. In Día de Muertos, you can find these flowers being incorporated in crowns, gravesites and ofrendas.
