The cempasuchil is not the only one, learn about other types of Day of the Dead flowers, their relationship with the deceased and where to place them correctly on your altar of the dead.
In Mexico, the season of the deceased is one of the most special and important dates for each of the country’s regions and their cultures. Since the Xantolo in the Huasteca Potosinauntil the Hanal Pixan in Yucatanall the traditions of Mexico for these dates have something in common: Day of the Dead flowers.
The cempasuchil is the most characteristic flower of the time of the faithful departed, however, there are other types of beautiful flowers such as cloud, velvet, carnation, chrysanthemum, orchid or pansy; what are other types of Day of the Dead flowers.
Get to know 5 Day of the Dead flowers, their history and meaning on the altar!
Day of the Dead Flowers
One of the most important traditions when the dates of the faithful departedAre the day of the dead flowersthe representation of the love that still lives in our hearts for those who have transcended this world.
However, not just any type of flower falls into the category of Day of the Dead flowers. Next, he learns about the flowers that are traditionally used on altars and discovers their connection to the Day of the Dead below.
Cloud, a Day of the Dead flower
The Cloud, also known as the Bridal Veil, are white flowers that come in voluminous bouquets, perfect for decorating your altar of the dead. They also exist in pink and at the time of celebrating the deceased, they can be seen especially in cemeteries.
These Day of the Dead flowers have an exquisite aroma and combine particularly well with cempasuchil. According to the tradition, the cloud sets especially for the souls of childrensince it is believed that its presence and smell allow souls to arrive and leave happy.
In Mexico, it is known that the Day of the Dead flower known as Nube, is produced in approximately 250 hectares and around 460 thousand bunches are harvested. The municipality of Tenango del Valle in the Toluca metropolitan area is one of the main producers of Cloud for Day of the Dead.
Velvet
The Latticework, Cresta de Gallo or Mano de Leoncommonly known as Velvetis part of the traditional flowers for Day of the Dead.
Its name is due to the Velvet is a very soft flower, it can be found in carmine red, yellow, although in Mexico they exist in pink or fiusha tones. Although its origin is Asian, it is also grown in central and southern Mexico.
The Velvet is a beautiful Day of the Dead flower to decorate the altars and receive the deceased, however, it is said that the presence of Velvet brings comfort during the mourning of losing a loved one. It is also used to clean the environment and is a plant with antibacterial properties.
The Argentine poet María Cristina Azcona gives us these verses about the Velvet, a characteristic flower of the Day of the Dead.
“It opens its velvet petals, while it is covered by icy dew, made of tears that form a river, of those who suffer without consolation.”
In Mexico, Velvet is grown on 51 hectares and for the season of the dead there are around 176 bunches. The municipalities of Tonatico and Villa Guerreroin the Mexico stateare one of the main producers of Velvet in the country.
Carnation, classic Day of the Dead flower
The name Clavel means “Flowers of God” and there are different colors like red, yellow and pinkwhich, according to tradition, represent a living love, light for the deceased or that the one who offers them has a beautiful memory of the deceased.
Its presence means a strong bond with the person who has left and represents union. There are about 250 different species of CarnationThey last a long time alive once they are cut and their production can happen at any time of the year.
In Mexico, the largest producers of Carnation are the State of Mexico and Baja Californiawith a total of approximately 590 hectares.
Chrysanthemum, a mysterious Day of the Dead flower
The Chrysanthemum is a Day of the Dead flower Originally from Spain, its name means “Golden Flower”, has a very distinctive and pleasant smell to the human being, in addition to being considered a very romantic detail.
However, as for the Day of the Dead, the chrysanthemum on the altar is a symbol of eternity, purple is the most used color of this flower on Day of the Dead. They are used to putting especially in the pantheons.
These day of the dead flowers they are grown on 856 Mexican hectares with Villa de Guerreros as the main producer; Tenancingo, Coatepec and Texcoco follow.
Wallflower, one of the most beautiful flowers of the Day of the Dead
Native to Asia, South Africa, and the Mediterranean; Day of the Dead flowers known as Alhelí They have different meanings depending on the colors that are decided to be placed in the offering for the dead.
Wallflower flowers are especially used for altars because they remain alive for a long time after being cut and carry an unparalleled aroma. Its colors can be white, purple, pink, lilac, purple and yellow. They symbolize the appreciation for the memories of the deceased and they are an offering so that they arrive at eternal rest.
In Mexico, the states of Baja California and Puebla are the main producers of Wallflower.