The “Day of The Dead” is an annual holiday celebrated in Latin American countries and is especially popular in Mexico. It usually starts on October 31st and ends on November 2nd. Marigold is the typical flower to celebrate this holiday, which means busy times for Marigold breeder AmeriSeed. And every year, it seems to become more busy as AmeriSeed finds their Marigolds are starting to be used for Halloween as well - which is held during the same time.
In this article below, AmeriSeed tells us more about the Day of the Dead and the role of marigold during this celebration.
The Day of the Dead-Día de los Muertos, is a time when families gather to honor and remember deceased loved ones. During the three-day celebration, families visit cemeteries where their loved ones are buried and decorate their graves and altars with Orange and Yellow American Marigolds (Tagetes erecta). In Spanish Marigolds are called “Cempasúchil” and are the centre point of the decorations. It is believed that the souls of the dead return to visit their living families in homes, businesses and cemeteries. Families and relatives view death as the beginning of the cycle of seasons and new life.
Where did the name Marigolds come from, I hear you ask?
Many years ago, Marigolds used to be called “Mary’s Gold”
Marigolds are one of the most easily recognizable symbols of Dia de los Muertos. There are several reasons why these vibrant blooms are used in this annual celebration. People believe that Marigold Flowers use their vibrant colors to represent The Sun, and The Sun, in Aztec mythology, guides the spirits on their way to and from the underworld.
The strong perfume of the flowers attracts the spirits of the departed and they return to visit their families. The marigolds, representing the color of the sun guide the spirits back to meet their living relatives and loved ones.
Source: https://www.udayton.edu/imri/mary/m/marigolds-marys-gold.php
For more information:
Ameriseed
E-mail: sales@ameriseed.net
www.ameriseed.net