Every year, the traditions of Dia de los Muertos are spreading beyond the Southwest. Perhaps this year they are particularly poignant. Popular in Latino communities, it is a commemoration of loved ones who have died in an annual blending of Aztec and Spanish spiritual traditions. The pageantry, color, animated skeletons and sugar skulls lend a family-friendly festive atmosphere that laughs at death with flowers. This made it popular with local artists inspired by this three-day celebration at the end of October over Halloween, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
This age-old tradition is focused on flowers that are displayed everywhere during the holiday, but mostly on home altars dedicated to family members who have passed away. If you want to create the same feel at home, for a party or gathering, knowing exactly which flowers to use is key to authenticity.
MARIGOLD
The popular bedding marigold originated in Mexico as a wildflower. Breeding resulted in much larger flowers we know today. It was known before Cortez as cempasuchil (sempa-suchi), then later flor de muerto due to the potent scent of both flower and foliage. The aroma was thought to be recognized by the dead, luring them to the family home with scattered marigold petal pathways. The scattered petals are important to the marigold presence, allowing you to tell a story and naturally scent the room as the oils evaporate.
AMARANTH, COCKSCOMB
This decorative form of amaranth, a pre-maize grain, is used only in its blood red form. It is a remnant of the war god Huitzilopochtli, to whom Aztecs honored their dead at his altar, with amaranth cakes in pre-Columbian times.
GLADIOLAS
Not native to Mexico but widely grown for their long blooming wands of brightly colored flowers, gladiolas are the tallest flower in these compositions. Most often set back to flank an altar, they gradually open over many days in water as the more short lived annuals begin to lose their beauty.
CALLA LILY
From southern Africa, these white lilies became the signature of Diego Rivera, the most famous Mexican muralist. The flowers proved ideally adapted to much of tropical Mexico and are present in home gardens, so they naturally become part of these celebrations. They are essential for all parties involving a Frida Khalo theme, which is a popular cross over celebration during this time.
For those not familiar with the details, there are three nights of celebration in the Mexican tradition. It is believed the dead wander on these nights to briefly commune with the living. Their graves are prepared with these flowers. Families sit by graves late into the night illuminated by candles. It is fun and festive and sad all at the same time. It is a healthy way of remembering with flowers.
Each of the three nights differs in its focus. The first night is Oct. 31, commemorating children who died the previous year. The second night, Nov. 1, is for family members who died recently, often parents. The third is more general for all who have passed and for ancestors generally.
What defines the holiday is creating an offrenda, or altar, in the home, which is often the focus of contemporary party decor. The altar is where you lay out vices the dead love such as tequila, candy and cigarettes. They’re lured with food, too, favorite dishes and fruit. Everything is decorated with flowers, marigold chains and petals raining down overall.
Due to how late this holiday falls in the year, it’s difficult in colder climates to harvest much out of the garden. The big marigolds and cockscombs are not often carried by florists, either. The key is to place your flower order well in advance of the celebration so they are available exactly when you need them. And don’t forget extra marigold blossoms to tear into individual petals, scattering laughter with hot color to lure your loved one’s home … for one night special night of the year.
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Maureen Gilmer is an author, horticulturist and landscape designer. Learn more at www.MoPlants.com
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