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 is the story of the marigolds on Dia de los Muertos? ›
“Tradition says that the Sun God Tonatiuh gifted the flower to the Nahua so that they could remember and revere their loved ones who had passed away.”
What do marigolds represent in marigolds? ›
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. Since she's a child, she's not consciously aware of how poor she is, but she does see how miserable her surroundings are.
What is the marigold activity for Day of the Dead? ›
Accordion fold the stack of squares using a table or a hard surface. Wrap a pipe cleaner around once or twice down the center and twist it closed. Carefully, separate the layers of tissue paper pulling them towards the center. Pull each layer up and fluff it to make it into a beautifully shaped marigold.
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 does the marigold mean in death? ›
Throughout the Day of the Dead / Dia de Los Muertos celebrations, countless strands of marigold garlands decorate altars, homes, and gravestones, their vivid hues and strong fragrance are believed to guide the souls of the departed back to the world of the living.
What are some fun facts about marigolds? ›
Marigold shows anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, which make them special. They grow once a year. They are 1 to 5 feet in height. They need 5-6 hours of sunlight every day to grow properly.
What happened in the story marigolds? ›
As Lizabeth realizes that the marigolds she destroyed were the only bit of hope and beauty Miss Lottie had left, she starts to regret her actions. In the present, Lizabeth, who is now an adult, looks back on her childish actions with regret and says that their encounter was the end of her innocence and childhood.
Why does Lizabeth destroy the marigolds? ›
In the Story: After overhearing her parents talk about how difficult and desperate their circ*mstances are, Lizabeth's sense of her place in the world becomes shaken. Overwhelmed, Lizabeth leaves home in the middle of the night and destroys Miss Lottie's marigolds.
What is the deeper meaning of marigolds? ›
What Do Marigolds Represent? Marigolds are believed to represent the sun's warmth and light, and their radiant colors are thought to guide the souls of the departed back to the world of the living during the Day of the Dead.
“Marigolds” is a coming-of-age story that recalls the transition from childhood's sheltered comprehension of human experience to the more nuanced understanding of adulthood. Because the narrator looks back across some number of years, the story demonstrates how honest reflection can lead to self-knowledge.
What does marigolds teach us? ›
Innocence and Compassion
Perhaps the boldest claim in “Marigolds” is that “one cannot have both compassion and innocence.” Lizabeth draws this conclusion from the humiliation she experiences when facing Miss Lottie, the torn flowers at their feet.
What do the marigolds represent in Día de los Muertos? ›
The marigold, and flowers in general, represent the fragility of life. It is believed that the spirits of our departed loved ones come to visit during the celebration, and marigolds are used to help guide the spirits with their vibrant color.
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 is the flower for Dia de los Muertos? ›
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.
What is the significance of marigolds in Mexican culture? ›
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.
What is the marigold flower for the dead? ›
Marigolds are also seen as a way to offer comfort to the souls of the deceased, as their vibrant petals and earthy fragrance are said to be pleasing to the spirits. This is why you'll find marigold flower petals strewn on altars, graves, and even in homes during the festivities.
How are flowers used in Dia de los Muertos? ›
Laying cempazuchitl flowers on the altar or at a gravesite isn't the only way they're used on the Day of the Dead. On occasion, the cempazuchitl petals are also laid out strategically to guide the spirits back to our world (think of them as being used as a spiritual path or walkway).
Why are altars decorated with marigolds during Day of the Dead? ›
The Role of Marigolds on the Day of the Dead
During the celebration, the spirits of the dead are said to visit the living. Marigolds, with their vibrant colors and pungent scent, guide the spirits to their altars.
