Day of the Dead-Marigolds

Today is Dios De Los Muertos-A day to remember those who have left us here as they continued their journey. Today I spent a few hours harvesting the marigolds from my friends garden. We had had our first hard frost yesterday.

Marigolds are very significant in the two cultures I have the most affinity to-the Mexican and the Hindi . They both implement Marigolds in their rituals. Here in America-they are used mainly by gardeners to ward off pests from their plants. However I have found that there is no guarantee against deer !

I love them for dye.

According to the Website Bouqs-https://bouqs.com/blog/marigold-meaning-symbolism

Marigolds hold a special symbolism during the Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos, otherwise known “as the Day of the Dead. This celebration arose when Aztec celebrations relating to the death deity Mictecacihuatl combined with the Roman Catholic All Saints Day. Today, Mexican families celebrate Día de los Muertos on November 1 and 2.

While many people assume these flowers symbolize death, their meaning goes beyond symbolizing the end of life. People believe that the marigold’s bright colors symbolize the sun, and when the flowers are placed near the dead, they solidify the connection between life and death. Their brightness reminds individuals that death isn’t the end of life for our souls but rather a change in where our spirits reside.

The marigold flower meaning is also important for this holiday due to its strong fragrance. The flower’s potent scent is said to attract the souls of loved ones who have died. That’s why you often see people creating stunning marigold-laden altars and sprinkling marigold petals throughout the entrances to their homes. Some families even leave trails of the petals from cemeteries, through town, and to their front doors.

Hindus also give special meaning to marigold flowers and view them as symbols of hope, love, success, and purity. Since these flowers have so many positive associations, you can find them at many Hindu festivals, ceremonies, and special events.

When the five-day festival of Diwali *occurs, garlands made of marigolds decorate doorways and tabletops, petals bring brightness to floors, and vases of flowers adorn houses. Since Diwali is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, the marigolds’ bright colors make them a natural fit for this holiday.

Hindus also use marigolds for other important celebrations, especially weddings. Marigold garlands often decorate the wedding altar and sometimes adorn the necks of the bride and groom. That’s because Hindus think the marigold meaning relates to positivity, success, and love.”

* Diwali was just this last week

For me that tempting little blossom represents a wonderful dye material that makes me salivate whenever I see their stunning oranges and yellows. I spent the morning carefully clipping the best of the blossoms, separating the abundant seeds. I tossed the frost weary stalks out front for the deer to nose around. Maybe a few stray seeds will surprise me come spring! I thought this ritual of harvest was so appropriate as a celebration of honoring our ancestors.