To the unfamiliar, it may be surprising that the exuberant marigold is the traditional flower for Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, the Latin American holiday celebrated today and Wednesday.
But the pungent scent and day-glo colors of the flower are believed to guide the way for dead souls as they return to feast on their favorite foods. Its orange or yellow hues, symbolizing sun rays, are laid to light paths, cover crosses and decorate ofrendas, or home altars.
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) include about 60 annuals and perennials native to Mexico and Central America. The Aztecs called the tall, branching T. erecta "cempasuchil" – a name still used in Mexico today. Cempasuchil is also used medicinally by curanderas, Mexican folk healers, to treat various ailments.
Cut-flower vendors say marigold sales increase as the Day of the Dead holiday nears, coinciding with All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Typically, the long-stemmed, fluffy blooms are sold by the dozen, their warm colors suitable for any fall occasion.
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