What do marigolds represent on the day of the dead?

Answer 1

Each altar for El Dia De Los Muertos usually includes the four elements: Air, Water, Fire, and Earth. Marigolds, or "zempasuchil" symbolize the earth, as they are flowers that grow from the earth.

Answer 2

Since pre-Columbian times, altars to honor the dead were setup by several native civilizations, including the Aztecs, Mayans, Olmecs or Teotihuacans. These cultures used to setup these altars with food, toys, and flowers. The most common type of flower at the time was the Mexican marigold or Cempazuchitl. After the conquest of Mexico by Spanish conquistadors, the tradition became intermixed with the Catholic All Souls' Day, thus becoming Day of the Dead.

Answer 3

Marigolds are called the flower of the dead, and are used to call the spirit to the grave, to help them find their way to their grave.

Answer 4

Because of their strong scent, the spirits can follow the path of strewn marigolds home.

Answer 5

the flower that is used during the day of the dead is the marigold flower

Answer 6

It doesn't matter. Any flower is acceptable.

Answer 7

they create a symbolic pathway to lead the souls and spirits out of the ofrenda

Answer 8

they are known as the flower of the dead