You've found the famous Dave's Garden website! Join this friendly global community that shares tips and ideas for home and gardens, along with seeds and plants!
Check out the DG homepage for a brief overview of what you'll find in this gardening mega-site.
Login
If you don't have an account yet, visit the registration page to sign up.
Of all the flowers to come from the Aztec world, this one is by far the most planted and cared for today. Once used in the major ceremonies to honor those departed, this flower now can be found in front of homes all over the world. Now you too can know the secrets of the cempasúchil, the marigold.
What makes a flower that is the symbol of death work its way into one of the world's most famous annuals? Let’s take a look at the history of the marigold and how it was used then and now.
Since prehispanic times, this plant has had medicinal purposes and it is thought to cure stomach ache, parasites, diarrhea, liver illnesses, vomiting, and toothache among other illnesses. The flowers are still used in many areas to cure these and other ailments. All of these illnesses are said to be cured by a tea made from the flowers, eating the flowers, or wearing the flowers in a pouch around the neck.
Every year on November first and second, the Aztecs relive a little of their past with the Dia De los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Huge altars are set up with food and drinks are given to the deceased members of the household. No altar is ever complete without the gathering of the wild marigolds and the spreading of them everywhere from the family altar, to pathways, and even in the graveyards. This can be traced, in part, to the ancient Aztec celebration of Death.
In the last 2000 or so years these celebrations have changed little in the Aztec world. There is some thought that they started in the Totonacian area, now in Vera Cruz. What is known for sure is that the celebrations are ancient and highly revered in many areas of Latin America today. The ancient celebrations honored Mictecacihuatl, the goddess of the dead and death. The Aztecs believed that the smell could wake the souls of the dead to bring them back for the festival. The Spanish worked hard to get rid of the festival and for a long time the flowers themselves where not liked or loved.
Often in Mexico today the family will visit the cemetery where their loved ones are buried and bring them offerings. The main offerings given across the board, rich or poor, are the marigolds, or Flor del Muerto – Flower of the Dead. The flowers are thought to bring out the dead souls to feast on the offerings laid on the table or headstone.
The marigold came with Spanish traders to Africa and Europe. Wanting to disconnect it from the flower’s past, the breeding programs held in Africa and Europe gave this great flower the name of “African” and “French” marigold. After the flower was disconnected from its past reputation as the flower of death, it was introduced into the gardens of the world.
Today the flowers are prized by gardeners the world over for their long lived blooms that love the heat of summer. They are to be found in gardens across the world, a testament to the wonder of this wonderful flower of the dead.
About M Fitzgerald
I am a pentecostal preacher, gardener,husband, and a father. I love natives, daylilies, iris, and roses. I love teaching others, be they children or adults, about the garden and plants.
Posted by grampapa (from Wheatfield, NY) on November 30, 2007 at 7:09 PM:
I wouldn't be without my marigolds, but I had no idea of the whole history. Thanks for the enlightenment, Mitch!
...
Subject: Very Interesting Mitch.
Posted by frostweed (from Arlington, TX) on November 30, 2007 at 9:29 AM:
In Spain they also celebrate or honor the dead.
On November 1 All Saints Day, and November 2 All Souls Day, but instead of Marigolds they use Mums, and no food is offered to the dead, although people take food for themselves if they are going to be at the cemetery a long time.
People also light a candle in their home all day in remembrance of their departed family and friends.
...
Posted by pajaritomt (from Los Alamos, NM) on November 30, 2007 at 3:39 PM:
Great article, Mitch. I was lucky enough to be in Mexico for the Day of the Dead a couple of years ago. It was really something to see, though I didn't catch on to the marigold's connection with it.
Frostweed,
I grew up in New Orleans where we also celebrated Nov. 1 as All Saints Days with large white pompom mums. New Orleans was partially settled by the Spanish and I guess your story explains where that custom comes form. As a kind, we had a holiday on All Saints Day, but not on Memorial Day, because All Saints Day was when New Orleaneans honored their dead.
...
Posted by KyWoods (from Melbourne, KY) on November 30, 2007 at 3:55 PM:
Wow, another New Orleanian! I was born there, but we moved away when I was five. I'll have to ask my parents (also born and raised there) about that tradition. I always liked all the varieties of marigolds, but never knew this history. Such a cheery little flower to honor the dead. Thanks for such an interesting article, Mitch!
...
Posted by daisyavenue (from Long Beach, CA) on November 30, 2007 at 8:58 PM:
Good article, Mitch!
...
Posted by debnes_dfw_tx (from Fort Worth, TX) on December 1, 2007 at 12:26 AM:
Gonna plant some next year myself... Interesting article Mitch!
debnes
...
Posted by MitchF (from Oklahoma City, OK) on December 1, 2007 at 10:38 AM:
thank you - I always grow a little - just to keep the bugs at bay.
...
Posted by girlgroupgirl (from Atlanta, GA) on December 5, 2007 at 8:36 AM:
OK, now you've made me want an entire garden of Marigolds! What a cool history for a flower!!
...
Subject: fascinating article.
Posted by Dutchlady1 (from Naples, FL) on November 30, 2007 at 7:17 AM:
I really enjoyed reading this; I had no idea about their history.
...
Posted by pepper23 (from KC Metro area, MO) on November 30, 2007 at 8:11 AM:
Great article!! I also had no idea about their history.
...
Posted by JanetS (from Braselton, GA) on November 30, 2007 at 9:28 AM:
Nice article Mitch. Well, written and enjoyable! Thanks for the information about these flowers.
I had no idea that they were called the "flower of the dead", but I did know they SMELL! I have also been told they will repel Mosquitos, and try to plant them around my deck in the Spring/Summer to do just that. I had a friend years ago that always planted them with Red Hot Sally Salvia around her backyard and patio, and she would enjoy the humming birds without the bugs, she said!
Imagine thinking that would "summon spirits". Very intesting!
