Five Flowers To Make a Beautiful Day of the Dead Ofrenda

October 28, 2024

The end of the month of October brings the celebration of Halloween, but it also is the time of year to celebrate the Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Beautiful floral arrangements called ofrendas (or offerings) are made for this special day. You can make your own ofrendas with these five flowers to create a meaningful and beautiful arrangement.

1. Marigolds

Cempasúchil is the Spanish word for the traditional flower known as the Aztec marigold. These flowers are essential in the celebration of the Day of the Dead, as they bring bright colors like orange and yellow. But they also have an important meaning.

In their history, the people of Central Mexico would honor the dead, as well as the gods and goddesses of the underworld by building altars with marigolds adorning them as they believed the scent of the marigolds would help the dead come back to be amongst the living. This is why they are still popularly used in ofrendas today.

1. Cockscomb

Cresta de Gallo, or cockscomb, is a unique flower that has a velvet-like texture and looks very much like a human brain. Typically found in deep pinks, yellows, or sometimes white, these flowers offer a different look to an ofrenda arrangement.

Its significance is still under debate. Some believe that the flower is viewed as a comfort when mourning the loss of a loved one. Others believe it could be a symbol of Christ’s blood, as Mexico had a merging of religion after the Spanish conquest.

1. Chrysanthemums

Crisantemos, or chrysanthemums, are often used in Mexican funerals as symbols of peace and eternity. They are commonly used to represent the rest of time as they are capable of blossoming even after cooler temperatures have arrived. In the country of Spain, chrysanthemums have often been used for All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day celebrations, which is usually the same time as Day of the Dead. As a result, these flowers are still traditionally used for ofrendas.

1. Baby’s Breath

Baby’s breath, or nube in Spanish, is defined as a cloud. This flower has the appearance of clouds, and is a wonderful finishing touch to an ofrenda arrangement. Typically these flowers are white in color, but they can also be found in pink.

Whatever color you choose to use, these delicate flowers are a great addition to your arrangement, symbolizing purity and innocence. They are often used within a floral arrangement, but they are sometimes found in bunches in tall vases as decoration.

1. Carnations

Carnations, called clavels in Spanish, can sometimes be thought to be marigolds due to their similar coloring of orange and yellow. Carnations give off a different scent from marigolds, however, as they smell somewhat like cloves. They are a wonderful tribute to those who have passed away as they can provide a connection to them.

Coming in colors like pink, red, yellow, and white, these flowers can have many different meanings. White typically represents purity and innocence, while the other colors can represent love and honor for the deceased. They are a great addition to an ofrenda.

For more inspiration on creating ofrendas to honor your loved ones who have passed on, check out Flower Works LLC.

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