The marigold, also known as the Flower of the Dead or Flor de Muerto is the flower most often used in Dia De Los Muertos celebrations. During Day of the Dead rituals, it is understood that the marigold itself attracts the souls of the dead.
The familiar Mexican or Aztec Marigold is native to Mexico and is also known as cempazúchitl or cempasúchil. In Mexico, this plant is found growing wild.
Mexican marigolds had sacred status with the Aztecs. In the preconquest Meso-American world, the flowers of this medicinal plant were valuable and were used as a dye, an antibacterial, and as a skin-wash/cosmetic. Additionally, when planted with crops, marigolds served as an insecticide.
Even today, there are industrial uses for the cempasúchils and they are also used as ingredients in perfumes, salads, and as food colorings. In agriculture, extracts of the plant are added to chicken feed (to give the yolks their yellow color) and are used to enhance the color of shrimp and other edible crustaceans.
The little yellow Mexican marigold is one of the most popular flowers in the world and is also widely cultivated in India for weddings, religious events and festivals. In Hindu weddings the marigolds, also known as calendula represent the sun and symbolize brightness and positive energy. They are also associated with Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, who are considered an ideal couple in Hindu mythology.
They are an important part of Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, one of the largest and most beautiful Hindu celebrations on the calendar. These religious flowers, often stand as offerings to the Gods.
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