Why is the marigold so associated with the Day of the Dead? Over 3,000 years ago, the Aztecs loved the marigold and celebrated the tradition of putting flowers on the graves of loved ones to reconnect to them with a reunion that includes flowers, food, celebrations, and storytelling.
This wonderful holiday, celebrated from October 31 to November 2, is rooted in Mexican tradition, has also spread through Catholic countries, and is popular in European and Spanish cultures.
The amazing Pamela Arnosky, who has been a marigold farmer in Blanco, Texas, for decades, just started the Texas Marigold Festival, which runs till October 30 and will include workshops on honoring loved ones, making marigold bouquets, marigold dances, etc. “When you live in a small town, it’s easier to get things done since there’s not a lot of bureaucracy,” she says, noting how this holiday keeps on growing in popularity.
Even before the festival, thousands have come to her farm that she runs with hubby Frank to get their marigold bouquets. Vibrant tangerine marigolds glisten alongside sunny yellow hues that collectively bring joy and merriment. These flowers are such perfect colors for the fall season. Plus, in the language of flowers, the marigold symbolizes both positive emotions and energy as well as joy. Not a surprise that it came close to becoming the official flower of the United States.
“We’ve been growing these flowers since 1992,” she says. What’s even nicer, she employs the “honor” system, and some people gather their marigolds and then leave their payment. Who says the world isn’t full of goodness too?
Read the complete article at www.flowerpowerdaily.com.