Day of the Dead Flowers, Meaning & Traditions

Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is just around the corner. So, we thought it was the perfect time to share more about the day’s history and explain the significance behind the flowers for Day of the Dead—which you know are our favorite part! Let’s dive right in.

What is Day of the Dead?

Starting with the basics. Day of the Dead is a two-day celebration held on November 1st and 2nd that commemorates and honors loved ones who have passed. The holiday is primarily observed in Mexico, other Latin American regions, and the US.

Now for a little history. Dia de los Muertos’ traditions date back over 3,000 years to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica when rituals were held to honor the dead. The Aztecs and Nahuas—indigenous people of Mexico—saw the universe as a cycle of life and death, with death being an integral part of life. When a person passed away, they were thought to travel to Chicunamictlán—the Land of the Dead. Here, they faced nine challenges before their soul could reach Mictlán—the final resting place.

Typically, the Nahuas would offer food, water, and tools to the dead to help them on this journey. This has inspired today’s Day of the Dead traditions, in which people leave food, flowers, and other Dia de los Muertos gifts for their deceased loved ones.

What Does Day of the Dead Celebrate?

You’re probably wondering if Day of the Dead is similar to Halloween and All Souls Day. While they coincide, Día de los Muertos is more of a joyful celebration than a spooky event. Think of it as a family reunion, rather than a burial.

At heart, Día de los Muertos traditions celebrate life, death, and the eternal bonds between loved ones. It’s believed that, as the clock strikes midnight on October 31st, the gates of heaven open, the souls of the dead awaken, and they return to the living world to feast and dance. On November 1st, the spirits of children—called “angelitos”—return for 24 hours. On November 2nd, adult spirits return.

How is Day of the Dead Celebrated?

A lively, loving, and colorful celebration that welcomes back the souls of the dead, traditions for Dia de los Muertos vary between families. Some build altars for the occasion—known as “ofrendas”—while others gather at graves. These are adorned with favorite foods, Day of the Dead flowers, photos, skulls, and candles.

Across the two days, there are also festivals and parades with music, dancing, traditional dress, and skeleton makeup. You’ve no doubt seen the elaborate face paint before, with its white base and colorful swirls around the eyes and chin.

Day of the Dead Flowers

Our favorite part of Day of the Dead? Flowers! Fresh blooms are integral to the celebrations, from those offered to deceased loved ones to those worn as crowns in traditional dress. It’s thought that the bright hues and fragrant blooms help guide spirits back to the living world, offering a sense of warmth and welcome.

Let’s meet the culturally and spiritually significant Día de los Muertos flowers.

Day of the Dead Marigolds

Say hello to the most common flowers for Day of the Dead celebrations—Marigolds, also known as “Flor de Muerto” (flowers of the dead). The clue was in the name!

Their vibrant orange and yellow petals symbolize the sun, which, along with their strong fragrance, helps to attract and guide spirits back to their living families. Marigolds are placed on altars, woven into garlands, and scattered on graves during Day of the Dead traditions and rituals.

Gladiolas for Dia de Los Muertos

Another popular choice, Gladiolas are tall, elegant flowers, often used to create dramatic displays on altars. They symbolize remembrance and faithfulness, making them a powerful choice for honoring loved ones on Día de los Muertos.

Baby’s Breath

These small, delicate flowers represent purity, love, and innocence. You’ve no doubt seen them in bridal bouquets or as accents in floral arrangements. Well, they make the perfect addition to Dia de los Muertos flower crowns too. Plus, they look beautiful arranged on ofrendas and graves.

Stock

Next up are stock flowers. Symbolic of beauty and simplicity, they’re often used to remember lost children. They come in a variety of beautiful colors, though white is typically used in traditions for Dia de los Muertos to signify the innocence of children lost too soon.

Chrysanthemums

As symbols of death and grief, it’s no surprise that Chrysanthemums are significant flowers for Day of the Dead celebrations. Their bold, colorful blooms are perfect for decorating altars and graves, offering a bright yet solemn reminder of the cycle of life and death.

Cockscomb

So, you know what we said about Day of the Dead traditions having roots in Aztec rituals? The Cockscomb, or “terciopelo rojo”, is a prime example of how ancient traditions have combined with Catholic culture to create the Dia de los Muertos celebrations we know today. The deep red color represents the blood of Christ, though its bright hue uplifts floral arrangements.

Day of the Dead Gifts

We’ve established that flowers for Día de los Muertos are a common gift—but the offerings don’t stop there. Families often also exchange food, fruit baskets, and other keepsakes as a thoughtful gesture to remember the lives of the departed.

Whether you have friends celebrating the occasion, are attending a family gathering, or would just like to honor the life of a loved one, sending a symbolic and carefully chosen gift is a meaningful way to join in the festivities.

Looking for Día de los Muertos flowers and gifts? Browse Day of the Dead flowers at Lovingly and send your loved ones a meaningful gift to commemorate those who have passed.