The Origins of Día de los Muertos and the Meaning of Marigolds

Each autumn, families across Mexico and around the world come together to honor loved ones who have passed with vibrant traditions, colorful altars, and beautiful flowers. This cherished celebration, known as Día de los Muertos — or the Day of the Dead — takes place on November 1st and 2nd and blends ancient Aztec rituals with Catholic influences introduced during Spanish colonization. At A. Johnson Florist & Flower Delivery in St. Paul, MN, we celebrate this meaningful tradition by offering bright marigold arrangements and stunning seasonal flowers that represent both love and remembrance.

The History and Origins of Día de los Muertos

The roots of Día de los Muertos trace back more than 3,000 years to ancient Mesoamerican cultures like the Aztecs, who viewed death not as an end, but as part of a continuous cycle of life. These early civilizations held month-long festivals to honor Mictecacihuatl, the “Lady of the Dead.” When Spanish colonists arrived in the 16th century, these indigenous rituals blended with Catholic observances such as All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day — creating the modern celebration we know today.

Now recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Día de los Muertos is a joyful time to remember and celebrate loved ones through food, music, art, and of course — flowers.

The Marigold: Symbol of Life, Love, and Remembrance

No flower is more symbolic of Día de los Muertos than the marigold, or cempasúchil. Known as the “flower of the dead,” marigolds are believed to guide spirits back to the world of the living with their brilliant color and strong fragrance. Their bright orange and gold hues represent the sun — a powerful symbol of life and renewal. During Día de los Muertos, families scatter marigold petals along pathways leading to their ofrendas (altars) to help guide loved ones home.

At A. Johnson Florist & Flower Delivery, our floral designers use marigolds and other fall flowers to create stunning remembrance arrangements and Día de los Muertos-inspired bouquets that bring beauty, warmth, and tradition to your home or celebration.

Flowers and Symbolism in Día de los Muertos

While marigolds are the most iconic flower of the season, families often include other blooms in their ofrendas to express different sentiments:

• Chrysanthemums: Represent peace, respect, and eternal rest.
• Roses: Symbolize enduring love and affection.
• Baby’s Breath: Adds purity and softness to remembrance arrangements.

Together, these flowers create a radiant, meaningful display that celebrates the joy of life and honors those who have passed.

Celebrate Tradition with Marigolds from A. Johnson Florist

Whether you’re decorating an ofrenda or simply want to embrace the beauty and symbolism of the season, A. Johnson Florist & Flower Delivery is here to help. Our fall flower collection includes marigolds, roses, and other vibrant blooms — each one carefully arranged to reflect the warmth and color of this special holiday.

With same-day flower delivery in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and the surrounding Twin Cities area, we make it easy to send love, remembrance, and seasonal beauty to those who matter most.

Order Día de los Muertos Flowers Online at jflorist.com

Celebrate the meaning of Día de los Muertos with handcrafted chrysanthemum bouquets and remembrance arrangements from www.jflorist.com. Whether you’re honoring family traditions or simply love the beauty of fall blooms, A. Johnson Florist & Flower Delivery brings color, culture, and artistry to every arrangement.

💛 Remember, celebrate, and let marigolds light the way — because love never fades, it blooms forever.