Day of the Dead flower that gives life

More than just a beautiful flower and a symbol of the Day of the Dead

The Cempasúchil flower has several hidden secrets, come and discover them.

The origin of the cempasúchil flower

We all know them by the name of “Cempasúchil” O “Flower of Death”but in reality its name province of Nahuatl “Sempôwalxôchitl” O “Cempohualxochitl”where “sempôwal” significant twenty or many y “xôchitl” that blooms, named after the legend of “Xóchitl and Huitzilin”. By putting both words together “sempôwal” y “xôchitl its meaning would be “selling flowers” O “various flowers“.

On the scientific side it is known as “Tages erect”, and I only believe in wild places and mountainous areas; this flower of 58 different species that exist, Mexico has 30 of them, being the center of the evolution of this plant.

The main differences between one species and others are the number of flowers, the leaves or including the size of the plant, which can vary between 10 cm and up to 2 meters high. Another difference is also the color of the petals or flowers, despite the fact that there are flowers with a red petal thread, in most, if not all, the characteristic yellow-orange color predominates.

In what season does the cempasúchil flower occur?

In Mexico, the states with the best climate conditions for the reproduction of this flower are in Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Michoacán, Puebla and Estado de México, that is why if you visit these places in this season you can find with a large amount of these flowers

The cempasúchil flower blooms after the rainy season between July and November. If you are thinking of having your own flower, something important to know is that the cempasúchil flower has a short life, when born it usually lives for a season and dies. But don’t worry, since they have many seeds, which makes their reproduction easy.

Properties and benefits of cempasúchil

This flower, in addition to being a decoration for our altars and homes, has also been used to give color to textiles and food, to make insecticides, perfumes and even as medicine.

Some of the benefits of the cempasúchil flower, which, having antibacterial properties, help us fight intestinal and respiratory problems. But it is also good for relieving postpartum pains, wounds from caesarean sections, colic and teething discomfort.

In addition to having medicinal benefits, this flower can also be used as a sedative, to treat nerves and/or insomnia. The flower also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that, although still in the research process, could be skin infections, removed and blinked and reduce split ends.

The meaning of the cempasúchil in the Día de Muertos

Dia de Muertos, is a Mexican tradition celebrated on November 1 and 2, on this day families remember their doubts that are not found in this life. For this celebration, an altar of the dead is placed as an offering that has different elements, among them the cempasúchil flower.

Currently the cempasúchil is used in offerings, to create paths and be able to guide the dead to the world of the living, thanks to its characteristic color of its petals and aroma.

The legend of the cempasúchil flower: “Xóchitl and Huitzilin”

A legend tells that a long time ago there were two children Xóchitl and Huitzilin who knew each other from birth, played and grew together. Over the years their love flourished and with the blessing of the God of the Sun, Tonatiuh, they got married.

Unfortunately this union did not last long, since Huitzilin started the war, where he fell on the battlefield. Soon after Xóchitl found out that his beloved had fallen, devastated by the news Xóchitl decided to climb the mountain to implore Tonatiuh to allow him to see his husband.

Afflicted by the misfortune, the God of the Sun granted Xóchitl his request, transforming Xóchitl into a flower, which cast a light during the nights. For a long time the flower remained closed, until a hummingbird sat on its stem. Xóchitl was able to recognize the touch of her husband Huitzilin, after so long he had come to her because of his aroma.

At that moment the field of flowers and miles of buds with an orange glow were born from the land, lighting up the night. Soon after, people started naming the flower as “Cempohualxochitl”the flower that gives light

Now you know a little more about this beautiful flower, which in addition to being a guide for the dead, also has a good message of love.

Always looking for a new adventure full of adrenaline and fun. Lover of animals and nature.