Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:55:04 +0000

Day of the Dead Flowers: Beauty, Symbolism, and Meaning in Día de los Muertos Celebrations Every year, as the month of November approaches in Mexico and beyond, families gather to honor their loved ones who have passed away during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). One of the most iconic and captivating symbols of this vibrant tradition is the use of Day of the Dead flowers—specifically marigolds known as cempasúchil, but also including other blooms that hold deep cultural, spiritual, and aesthetic significance. ### The Spiritual Heart of Día de los Muertos: Flowers Flowers are far more than decorative elements in Day of the Dead celebrations—they are sacred messengers. Among these, the cempasúchil, or Mexican marigold, reigns as the official flower of Día de los Muertos. With its bright orange and yellow hues and pungent scent, the cempasúchil is believed to guide returning spirits through the veil between life and death. Its vibrant petals are laid in elaborate paths called alfombras de flores (flower carpets) across altars (ofrendas), creating a luminous journey for souls to follow back home.