Marigold+Flowers

= **Marigold Flowers //(Flor de Muerto)//** = = **//Brooke and Courtney//** = = = = **Day of the Dead has many traditions. Some of the many traditions are to lay marigold flowers around the altars in homes, around the gravesites of the deceased, and to make a pathway of marigolds for the soul to follow back to the families house. It doesn't matter where you get the marigolds from, it just matters that you have them out so that the soul knows where to go.** =



= **Each year families set up huge altars with food and drinks for the deceased members of the household.** **Depending on whether you are an adult or child you get different things put out on the altar for you.** = = **Children:** = = **Adults:** = = **Pets:** =
 * = **The children who have died normally get toys and their favorite food** =
 * = **The adults on the other hand can get cigarettes and their favorite food** =
 * = **Many times the pet is sacrificed so that it can join its master on their long journey** =

= **No altar is ever complete without marigolds. Many times they are spread out everywhere from the family altar. This is said to bring the souls of the deceased member back to join you in the festival. It is said that the marigolds are set out so that the the spirit will be guided by them. Another thing that is supposed to guide the spirit is the bright colors and the aroma of the marigolds.** =



= = = **History of the Marigolds** = =** The event of putting marigolds around gravesites and and altars can be traced back as far as the Aztec celebration of the dead. Also, in Aztec times the marigold was called the flower of 400 lives. The Spanish tried to get rid of this festival. The name marigold originally belonged to two early English plants named the calendula and marsh marigold. These plants were usually in bloom for the Feast of the Annunciation of Mary. This event took place on March 25th. The gold color of the marigolds provided gold color to Mary's celebration. The flowers were soon called Mary's Gold and the name was later shortened to marigold. **= = = = = = **Marigolds Information** = =** The color of the marigolds represents the tones of the earth. The orange and yellow colors represent the sun. The colors of the marigolds are said to bring light to the souls of the dead. **= = = = = =** Growing and buying Marigol **** ds **= = **Many families like to grow their own marigold flowers because they believe that it is more appropriate for the celebration. No matter if you are rich or poor people still bring marigolds to their loved ones graves. They are the most common flower of the season.** = = = = = =** Gravesites **= = **Many times the marigolds are put around the gravesites with candles. Many people usually sit on blankets next to their loved ones and eat the food that the deceased member enjoyed before they passed away. Family members will arrive at the gravesites beginning on October 31st to begin preparing the decorations.** = = = = media type="custom" key="11024382" = = = =** Interesting Facts **= =** Many families will make a painting out of the marigold flowers. Marigolds mainly flower during October and are very plentiful in fields. The painting is normally has a religious theme. Some paintings are made entirely out of marigold flowers, petals, and buds. The marigold means flower of death. For a very long time people did not like or love the marigolds. **= = = = **Works Cited** = ==