Meaning of the Marigold Flower on the Day of the Dead

One of the most representative elements of the Day of the Dead in Mexico is the marigold flower. But, what is the meaning of the marigold flower on the Day of the Dead? The marigold flower which translates to flor de cempasúchil in Spanish is also called the October flower for the season in which they grow. On November 1 and 2, cemeteries and many homes in Mexico are filled with these flowers and their characteristic aroma.

Among the Day of the Dead traditions is the placement of altars of the dead. The altar of the dead is a multi-level structure in which decorative objects are used in the celebration and a series of offerings are placed to attract the souls of their deceased loved ones.

Some of the decorative objects include colorful tablecloths and paper cutouts covering the altar, that is, brightly colored paper trimmed in such a way that figures of skulls, catrinas, crosses, and Day of the Dead flowers, among others.

Next, the most common thing is to spread petals of marigold flowers at different points of the altar and place some of them either directly on the altar or inside vessels or vases arranged on the altar for this purpose.

In addition to the October flower, other elements on the altar are lighted candles, sugar skulls, a pastry called “Pan de Muerto”, and other food items and objects that were of the particular pleasure of the dead to whom the altar is dedicated. Finally, a photo of the deceased loved ones is placed crowning the altar or in a central position.

The popular belief is that the honored dead, attracted by the glow of candles, the prayers of their loved ones, and the smell of their favorite foods, visit the altars of the dead in the early hours of November 1-2. Relatives and friends who miss their loved ones watch by the altar all night waiting for their arrival. In order to facilitate its orientation, paths made of marigold flowers are placed in front of the altar.

What do marigolds represent?

Cempaspuchitl is the Nahuatl name given to the Mexican marigold flower, meaning twenty petals; it is like a ball with many flowers joined together. The flower has a different name depending on the region and the most common one is the Nahuatl, which later became “flor de cempasúchil” in Spanish. As mentioned before, in some places it is also known as the October flower since it annually grows in October and lasts for only one season.

No doubt, it is one of the most representative elements of the offerings for the dead. But what do marigolds represent? There’s the meaning of the cempasuchil flower and then there’s the marigold symbolism. It is not only used on altars for its color and aroma but there is a legend behind it.

The marigold symbolism and legend

Legend has it that Xochitl and Huitzilin were in love since they were children and that together they climbed to the mountain dedicated to Tonatiuh, the Aztec god of the sun, to offer him bouquets of flowers. As war broke out, Huitzilin went to fight to defend the Aztec lands and died. Shattered by loss, Xochitl asked the god of the sun, Tonatiuh, to deliver her from her suffering and reunite her with her beloved.

The sun god fulfilled her desire and shun his rays of sunlight on Xochitl, transforming her into a bright yellow flower. Then, when a hummingbird landed in the center of the flower, the flower opened its twenty petals releasing an intense aroma. Its symbolism is associated with the rays of the sun, that is, a light that guides in the darkness.

The Day of the Dead traditions consists of making paths with marigolds, from the main path to the altars placed in the houses or the tombs in the cemeteries, in order to guide the souls toward them with the light represented by the marigold flower.

The abundant presence of the marigold flower on and around the altars is one of the main traditions of the Day of the Dead in Mexico. Its shape, color, and aroma are automatically associated with this original celebration that has become so popular worldwide in recent years. It is certainly a very particular way of seeing the dead. While in other cultures they fear and do rituals to alienate them, in Mexico we expect them to visit us year after year while feeling honored by their visits.