What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you see the picture of the “Marigold flower”?

One of the most adored, beautiful, bright and vibrant flowers around the world, are the Marigold flowers.

Marigold flowers just like the Sunflowers, represents the “Sun”.

These yellowish-orange bright Marigold flowers are also known as the “Herb of the Sun’.

Did you know…that the Marigold Flower is considered a “Sacred flower” in Mexico.!!??

Did you know …that there is a romantic story associated with the Marigold Flower.!!??

Read on to know more about the “Vibrant Yellowish-Orange Marigold flower”.

Characteristics of the Marigold Flowers

• One of the most adored flowers around the world, marigold flowers, have many uses.

• Marigold flowers can protect the plants growing around them.

• Marigold flowers even have medicinal properties.
• Marigold flowers have vibrant folds of petals that make up the blossoms, and makes the environment, bright and exuberant.

• Marigold flowers can grow in just about every place on Earth.

• In modern western culture, Marigold flowers symbolize positive emotions and energy.

• Marigold flowers are of different colours, like -fiery yellow, orange, and red. These colours represent warmth, happiness, joy, optimism, and good luck.

• Marigold flowers are associated with the Sun. So it represents positive energy.

• With reference to the story of the two lovers, Xóchitl and Huitzilin, Marigold flowers are even said to symbolize the “Spiritual Power of Resurrection”.

• There are even stories or beliefs that associate, the Marigold flower with “weeping flower”. It is believed that, around night time, the dew gets collected in marigold flower petals. In the morning, the moisture or the dew drips from these flowers, thus resembling “weeping”. Hence, Marigold flowers are sometimes called the “Flowers of Grief”.

Marigold Flower and Mexico

Marigold flowers are part of the ancient traditions in Mexico.

In Mexico, Marigold flowers are believed to be the “Blossoms of Sacredness”.

Today, Marigold flowers play an important role in the “Dia de los Muertos” celebrations.

“Día de los Muertos”, is in the Spanish language, which translates to “The Day of the Dead”.

It is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November, in Mexico.

This celebration originated and is mostly celebrated in Mexico.

Even though this day is related to “death”, it has a much less intense tone and is portrayed as a holiday of joyful celebration rather than mourning.

Friends and family, come together on this day, to celebrate and pay respects to the members who have died.

The family members remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed, hence, these celebrations can take a humorous tone!!!

This day is celebrated in a form of a holiday, which includes honouring the deceased using “Calaveras” and marigold flowers known as “Cempasúchil”.

“Calavera”, in Spanish, means a “skull”.

“Calaveras” or decorative skulls are made from either clay or sugar.

Traditionally, “Calaveras” were made using cane sugar. They were then decorated with coloured foils, icings, beads and feathers. They are made in multiple colours.

In Mexico, the “Día de Muertos” celebrations, have been done by using these vibrant yellow and orange hues of the marigold flowers, also known as “Cempasúchil”.

The marigold flowers are used as decoration to celebrate and honour the dearly departed.

The text known as the “Florentine Codex”, written in the 16th century, has the earliest written mention of “Cempasúchil” or the marigold flowers used for celebrations.

It also mentions the medicinal uses of various flowers and plants.

The importance of Marigold flowers, in both medicines and celebrations, is also mentioned in detail.

Marigold Flowers and a Romantic Story

Marigold flowers have a romantic story of the two lovers, Xóchitl and Huitzilin, attached to them.

The two lovers, Xóchitl and Huitzilin, would often walk up to the top of the mountain. Once, they reached the top, they would leave flower offerings for the sun-god: “Tonatiuh”.

The flower offerings were made to show or to swear their love and commitment to one another.

Huitzilin gets killed in one of the battles. This makes Xóchitl sad. The disturbed and upset Xóchitl prays to the Sun god to reunite them on earth.

“Tonatiuh”, the sun-god, observed her offerings and prayers. He fulfilled her wish, by sending a ray of sun that transforms her into a flower.

The flower, or Xóchitl, is a marigold flower, which is as golden as the sun. The sun –god, reincarnates her lover, Huitzilin, as a hummingbird.

When Huitzilin, now, the hummingbird, goes to Xóchitl, now, the marigold flower, with his beak, her twenty petals bloom, filling the air with the marigold flower’s distinctive and powerful scent.

Ever since then, the marigold flower has become a part of the “Día de Muertos” celebrations.

The happy and bright colours of the marigold flowers are a way to celebrate life instead of being sad about death.

Marigold flowers, with their fragrance and bright colours, are believed to draw in the spirits.

Hence, these flowers are used to decorate altars, gravesites and shrines erected to honour and remember the dead.

Symbolic Meaning of Marigold Flowers

The symbolic meaning of the Marigold flowers changes as per time or eras, your location and the culture in which you find yourself in.!!!

1. Buddhism

Marigold flowers are used as offerings and adornments in Buddha temples.

Marigold flowers are even offered near statues of the Buddha.

In Buddhism, Marigold flowers symbolize “Offering and Worship”.

2. Hinduism

In Hinduism, people associate Marigold flowers with the Sun.

Marigold flowers are also associated with the ideal couple, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu.

Hence, Marigold flowers are often used in Hindu marriage celebrations.

In India, the Marigold flowers are used for every festival as this flower denotes “Sacredness and Affection”.

The entrances of homes and shops are decorated with ‘torans’ or garlands made up of marigold flowers.

The Marigold flowers are essential elements of the Dussehra festival.

In Maharashtra, Dussehra decorations mainly include marigold flowers, as they are considered a “symbol of energy and beauty”.

At Dadar’s flower market, in Mumbai, there is a massive demand for marigold flowers. Farmers from rural areas come to the city area to supply their flowers and leaves.

In Hinduism, Marigold flowers symbolize “Auspiciousness, Beauty, Brightness, and Positive Energy”.

3. Christianity

In Christianity, Marigold flowers are also known as “Mary’s Gold”.

Those who could not afford to give gold as gifts to the Virgin Mary gave/offered Marigold flowers in place of gold.

Marigold flowers are planted everywhere in Bible gardens.

Christians like to believe that, the golden Marigold flowers growing around the world symbolizes “Mary’s Golden Crown” surrounding the Earth.

4. Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece

In ancient Egypt and Greece, Marigold flowers symbolized “Healing and Restoration”.

This was because both these ancient cultures valued the Marigold flowers marigolds for their healing properties.

Marigold flowers were used by them to soothe pain, heal sores, and treat wounds.

Marigold flowers were also a part of their food and drinks. These flowers were used in food preparations for adding flavour and colour.

Today, Marigold flowers are still well known for their medicinal properties.

5. Victorian Era

In the traditional Victorian era, Marigold flowers symbolized “Grief, Despair, and Mourning”.

Similar to “The Day of the Dead”, Marigold flowers were used as “Remembrance Flowers” during the Victorian era.

6. Middle Ages or the Medieval Period

During the Middle Ages or the Medieval Period, both, women and men carried Marigold flowers.

They believed and hoped that these flowers would help them connect with a new love interest.

Hence, Marigold flowers were considered as the symbol of “Hope and Love”.

Highlights

• Whether we are honouring a loved one or celebrating a happy occasion or enriching prayers with a floral offering, we turn to the beautiful and vibrant Marigold flowers.

• Marigold flower’s colour, shine and brightness look just like the Sun.

• Marigold flowers have so many different symbolic meanings.

• Marigold flowers have an important role to play in cultural traditions.

• Marigold flowers hold a special place in the hearts of flower-lovers all around the world.