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.
FAQs
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 do marigold flowers symbolize on the Day of the Dead? ›
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 the ofrendas prepared for them.
What do marigolds symbolize in flowers? ›
Marigolds were often linked to the powerful strength of the sun and represent power, strength, and light that lives inside of a person. The marigold has also come to symbolize a feeling of despaired love. If someone has lost someone they love, whether it be by death or a broken relationship.
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 do dead flowers symbolize? ›
Swelling from tender bud to full bloom, flowers are associated with youth, beauty, and pleasure. But as they wilt and die, flowers represent fragility and the swift passage from life into death.
What is the belief behind the color and scent of the flower marigold? ›
Often considered a sacred flower with rich Aztec symbolism, marigolds became the key player in most Day of the Dead celebrations due to the belief that their vibrant colors and pungent fragrance could guide spirits to their living loved ones.
What is the folklore of marigolds? ›
Water made from marigolds was thought to induce psychic visions of fairies if rubbed on the eyelids. Marigold flowers were added to pillows to encourage prophetic or psychic dreams, especially on St. Luke's Day, October 18th, as a form of flower divination, floramancy.
What is the message of marigolds? ›
The Transition Out of Childhood
In “Marigolds,” the narrator's recollections of her memories create a coming-of-age story, a recounting of the transition from childhood, with its freedoms and naïve stances, to the obligations and often harsh realizations of adulthood.
What are the few points about marigolds? ›
They are annual plants, which means that they live for only one year. The most popular varieties include the French and African marigolds. Marigolds usually grow to a height of about 1 to 5 feet (0.3 to 1.5 meters). Their flowers are usually red, orange, or yellow.
What flowers for the day of the muertos? ›
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.
The musky scent was believed by the Aztecs to carry messages and prayers to the gods. In short, marigolds had an ancient and highly developed role in pharmacology, theology, and artistic expression and symbology. Sculpture of the deity Coyolxuahqui with a marigold headdress.
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.
Is keeping dead flowers bad energy? ›
As per Feng Shui rules these dead or dried flowers release dead energy into the air making the room negative. A lack of positive 'chi' can cause an adverse effect on your health. Chi in Feng Shui means the energy in your room, and having strong chi inside your home is a sign of having good energy in your home.
What flower represents pain? ›
Black Dahlia
The deep, dark colour of the Dahlia flower, especially the black variety, can symbolize sorrow and pain.
What is the flower for death month? ›
A symbol of support and encouragement and a symbol of death and mourning, the chrysanthemum is well suited for funerals.
What is the flower for the Day of the Dead? ›
Although marigolds are the most closely associated flower with the Day of the Dead, other blooms are often used or found at the altars or near the resting pace of the deceased as well to honor deceased loved ones.
What are the colors of the marigolds for Day of the Dead? ›
The fragrance of the bright orange and yellow flowers is said to lead souls from their burial place to their family homes.
What are marigolds and incense laid out on the Day of the Dead? ›
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.
When to plant marigolds for Day of the Dead? ›
For Day of the Dead and Halloween use suggested sowing time is middle July. “Chedi Orange, Yellow is a variety with large and firm flowers with a long shelf life, is tolerant to Soil borne diseases including fusarium, and has an excellent adaptability to a wide range of climates.” Approximate height 140 – 150 cm.
