The marigold flower is a symbol of the Day of the Dead, a tradition that is celebrated November 1 and 2 of each year in Mexico. Its unique characteristics and its representative use in offerings make it a product with great spiritual meaning, as well as for performing rituals.
This plant It is distinguished by having a stem that can measure up to one meter in heightbuttons that can reach up to five centimeters in diameter, colors from intense yellow to orange that bloom during the summer and autumn season.
It is estimated that there are around 35 species of this flower in Mexico of the 58 referred to for the continent of America.
What ritual is performed with the marigold flower?
According to historians and researchers of the first civilizations in Mexico, the yellow and orange color of the marigold flower was associated with the Sun, using it in offerings for the deceased.
The most important ritual performed with the marigold flower is the creation of a path to the altar with flowers and marigold petals, with the purpose of guiding the souls towards the offerings that their loved ones left at the altar. This flower is considered a symbol of life and death by the Mexica.
The spiritual meaning of the marigold flower
The pre-Hispanic cultures of Mexico had the belief that the marigold flower It was the connection between the world of the living and the deceased. The color and scent of the flower was believed to function as a kind of spiritual beacon that attracts souls, highlighting that the idea of death was just part of a natural cycle of life.
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The marigold flower has medicinal use to combat digestive and respiratory problems. The first civilizations of our country They prepared a tea or oil to apply it to the chest and back with the purpose of curing colds and warming the lungs. Also to combat symptoms such as vomiting, indigestion and diarrhea.
The oil of this flower also can be used as a pesticide to protect crops.
In our country, the states of Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Michoacán and the State of Mexico are the ones that have the best soil and climate conditions for the production of marigold. This flower only blooms after the rainy season.
The marigold flower is currently used to give color to textiles.