The flower representing Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is the Mexican Marigold, known locally as Cempasúchil. This vibrant bloom is a central element in the traditions of this Mexican holiday, serving as a symbolic link between the living and the departed. Recognized by its brilliant golden-orange color and distinct fragrance, its use dates back to pre-Hispanic times, establishing it as a deeply rooted cultural symbol of life, death, and remembrance.
Botanical Characteristics and Common Names
The species most often recognized as the Cempasúchil is Tagetes erecta, a plant native to Mexico and Central America, which is part of the extensive Tagetes genus. The common English name, Marigold, is used, though it is also frequently referred to as the Mexican Marigold or Aztec Marigold to distinguish it from other varieties.
The plant is an herbaceous annual that typically grows to a height between 30 and 110 centimeters. Its most distinctive feature is the large, globe-shaped flower head, which displays an intense spectrum of yellow, orange, and golden hues. The color is significant because it was historically associated with the sun, a powerful symbol in ancient Mesoamerican cosmology.
The Nahuatl name Cempasúchil is derived from the word Cempōhualxōchitl, which translates to “twenty flowers” or “flower of twenty petals,” describing the dense, multi-layered structure of the bloom. Beyond its visual impact, the flower possesses a strong, pungent aroma due to the resin channels found in its stem and leaves. This fragrance plays a specific role in the ritual function of the flower within the Día de Muertos tradition.
The Symbolic Function in Día de Muertos
The Cempasúchil flower is a functional tool believed to facilitate the spirits’ journey back to the world of the living. Its intense color and powerful aroma attract the souls of the deceased. Families scatter the bright petals to create a visible path, known as a sendero, leading from the main road or the cemetery directly to the home altar, or ofrenda.
The trail of golden petals is intended to light the way for the spirits, allowing them to navigate the distance between Mictlán, the Aztec underworld, and their former homes. The flower’s solar color is viewed as a source of warmth and light needed to guide the returning souls. Bunches of the full flowers are also placed directly on gravesites and incorporated into the multilayered ofrendas.
The strong, herbaceous scent acts as an olfactory lure, ensuring the spirits are drawn to the specific altar prepared for them by their loved ones. This dual sensory appeal—the vibrant color and the pervasive smell—is necessary for a successful visit. The presence of the flower confirms the family’s invitation and underscores the belief that the flower is a bridge connecting the spiritual and physical worlds for a brief, annual reunion.
Mythological Origins of the Tradition
The Cempasúchil became the designated “Flower of the Dead” based on a narrative from Aztec mythology, which links its origin to a story of profound, enduring love. The most popular legend tells of two young lovers, Xóchitl, whose name means “flower,” and Huitzilin, whose name means “hummingbird.” They were inseparable, often climbing a mountain to offer flowers to the Sun God, Tonatiuh, who blessed their bond.
Their love was tragically interrupted when Huitzilin was called away to war and was killed in battle. Devastated by the news, Xóchitl climbed the mountain one last time to implore the Sun God to reunite her with her beloved. Moved by her immense grief, Tonatiuh cast a golden ray upon her, instantly transforming her into a brilliant, golden-orange flower.
The flower remained closed until a hummingbird, drawn to the flower’s unique fragrance, landed gently upon its center. This hummingbird was Huitzilin, who had been reborn in this new form. As the hummingbird’s beak touched the flower, the bloom opened, displaying its twenty petals and releasing an intense aroma. Tonatiuh had granted the lovers eternal togetherness, decreeing that they would be united as long as Cempasúchil flowers and hummingbirds existed on Earth.
This powerful narrative of love defying death established the flower’s pre-Hispanic significance as a symbol of the sun’s power, a guide for the souls, and the enduring nature of affection. The ancient Mexica people already associated the Marigold’s intense color with the sun and used it in their rituals to honor the dead, a tradition that was seamlessly integrated into the modern celebration of Día de Muertos.