The fragrance of the bright yellow and orange flowers is said to help lead souls from their burial sites to their family homes for the annual reunion celebrated November 1st and 2nd.
The origins of Dea de los Muertos stretches back centuries in Mexico and a few other Latin American countries. It is rooted in Aztec rituals related to the goddess Mictecacihuatl, or the Lady of the Dead, who was believed to allow spirits to travel back to earth to community with their families. That tradition was blended with the Roman Catholic observance of All Saints Day by the. Spaniards when they conquered Mexico.
The celebration involves creation of an altar with offerings including photos of the dead, candles, bottles of mezcal and tequila, as well as food, sugar skulls and cempasuchil -- the Aztec name of the marigold flower native to Mexico. The flowers' cheerful colors add to the celebratory nature of the holiday, which is not somber but festive.
Marigolds in your garden and cheery, too. The attract pollinating insects and make a great companion plant to tomatoes. In a vegetable bed, the scent of marigolds helps to deter whiteflies and even rabbits. Tagetes erecta, the tallest and most upright of some 50 marigold species, are native to Mexico and Central America and do well even under drought-like conditions. Sow seeds about one inch apart directly into garden soil in the spring. Moisten, and watch for sprouts in as little as a week.
Once your plants are extablished, pinch off tops to encourage them to grow bushier and bloomier. Water at the base of the plant to avoid powdery mildew. Enjoy!
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