Happy Día de los Muertos!

Special Ways to Honor Day of the Dead

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and meaningful Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of those who have passed away. Today is a day for families and communities to come together, remember their loved ones, and create colorful and joyful altars. One of the most iconic elements of this holiday is the use of marigold flowers, or cempasúchil, to honor the deceased. Read on if you want to integrate today’s special traditions or mark the occasion with creative uses of marigold flowers.

The Meaning of Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, represents a blend of indigenous traditions and Catholic symbolism that is unique to Mexican culture. On this day, families welcome the spirits of their loved ones back to the world of the living. Unlike other cultures, where death is often feared or mourned, Día de los Muertos is a lively and colorful celebration of life and death.

At the core of the celebration are ofrendas, or altars, that families create in their homes and at the gravesites of their loved ones. These ofrendas are filled with items that are meant to entice the spirits to return, such as favorite foods, drinks, and mementos of the departed. Marigold flowers play a significant role in these altars, as they are believed to guide the spirits back with their vibrant orange and yellow hues. The key components of a Día de los Muertos altar include a photo of the departed loved one, candles, papel picado (color banners made of paper), incense or other aromatic offerings, and marigolds. Altars often have multiple levels, representing the journey from earthly to spiritual realms. You can use crates, boxes, or tables to create different tiers. You might consider including personal mementos and items that were beloved by the deceased. This could include their favorite books, toys, or hobbies. Once the ofrenda is fully prepared, make it a site of remembrance and joy. Encourage family members to share stories and memories of their loved ones. This keeps their spirit alive in the hearts of those who remember them.

Creative Ways to Use Marigold Flowers

Marigold flowers are central to Día de los Muertos celebrations and are not only beautiful but also full of symbolism. Here are some fun and creative ways to incorporate marigolds into your festivities:

• Marigold Garlands: String marigolds together to create stunning garlands that can be hung indoors and outdoors as decorations. They add a pop of color and fragrance to the atmosphere.
• A Path of Petals: Create a path of marigold petals leading from the entrance of your home to the ofrenda. This soft, orange carpet is a symbolic way to guide the spirits to the altar.
• Floating Marigold Candles: Float marigold flowers and candles in a bowl of water. This creates a serene and beautiful centerpiece that can be placed on your ofrenda or your dining table.
• Marigold Centerpieces: Use marigold flowers as a striking centerpiece for your dining table. They add a burst of color and fragrance to your meals. A striking complement to these centerpieces is our Fall Fashion bouquet, featuring tall sunflowers and stately gladiolus. 
• Marigold Framed Photos: Frame photos of your loved ones with marigold petals sandwiched between two sheets of glass. It’s a unique and meaningful way to showcase their images. Alternatively, you might consider an arrangement like our Loving Farewell Photo Tribute, which situates photograph frames between several gorgeous flowers.

Día de los Muertos is an uplifting, meaningful celebration that honors the lives of those who have passed away. It is a time of remembrance, love, and joy. By creating your own ofrenda and incorporating marigold flowers in creative ways, you can participate in this beautiful tradition and celebrate the lives of your loved ones. At Allen’s Flower Market, we are honored to be a part of the cultural celebrations that matter most to you. Shop our full menu of floral delights at www.allensflowermarket.com.