Popular Day of the Dead Flowers and Their Symbolism

Learn the significance of different flowers for Dia de Muertos and their meaning on this holiday with Aztec roots. I’ve highlighted six of the most popular flowers, a few lesser-known blooms, and substitutes to consider if you can’t find them where you live.

WHAT IS DAY OF THE DEAD?

Dia de los Muertos is a vibrant Mexican holiday celebrated the first few days of November. Rooted in ancient Aztec traditions, this celebration honors and remembers departed loved ones with ofrendas (altars), candles, copal (incense), pan de muerto and other food, calaveras de azucar (Mexican sugar skulls), calacas (friendly skeleton figures) and of course, Day of the Dead flowers.

CONNECTION TO AZTEC TRADITIONS

Day of the Dead can be traced back to the Aztecs, who celebrated a similar festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl. The Aztecs honored their deceased by adorning gravesites and altars with offerings, including flowers. This rich historical connection underscores the enduring significance of Aztec rituals and Spanish (catholic) influence on Day of the Dead celebrations in modern-day Mexican culture.

While there are similarities in the timing of Día de los Muertos and All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the cultural and religious significance of each celebration differs.

• Dia de los Muertos is a festive remembrance of deceased loved ones
• All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day are both solemn Christian observances centered on prayer for the souls of the departed and the veneration of saints.

SIGNIFICANCE OF FLOWERS FOR DIA DE MUERTOS

The use of flowers during Día de Muertos carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. Similar to flowers, our time on earth is limited, and therefore on Day of the Dead, flowers symbolize the ephemeral nature of life. Arranged on altars and graves, flowers create a vibrant, welcoming path for the souls during this cherished celebration.

Below I’ve highlighted the most popular flowers for Dia de Muertos, their significance, symbolism, and substitutes to consider if you can’t find them. I have also sharing some lesser known flowers, which I learned about in Oaxaca.

CEMPASÚCHIL: MARIGOLDS

Marigolds, or cempasúchil, are especially meaningful among Day of the Dead flowers. People believe that they guide spirits back to the living with their bright color and strong fragrance.

• Marigolds, with their vibrant colors symbolic of the sun, are commonly used to create garlands and floral arrangements for altars and sometimes the petals are used to create a path from the front door to the ofrenda for the spirits on Day of the Dead.
• There are different marigold variations, and the smaller blooms with deep reddish and orange petals (pictured below) are known as “flor de muerto.”

FUN FACT: the nahuatl word for marigold is cempohualxochitl, which roughly translates to “20 flowers” or “400 petals.”

IF YOU CAN’T FIND MARIGOLDS

Consider using other bright orange flowers such as:

• Yellow or Orange Zinnias
• Yellow Sunflowers
• Orange Gerbera Daisies
• Yellow or Orange Gladiolus
• Yellow or Orange Carnations
• Yellow or Orange Roses
• Yellow Chrysanthemums.
• Yellow or Orange Lilies

TERCIOPELO: COCKSCOMB

With origins in Asia, the cresta de Gallo flower (also known as terciopelo rojo, bolo, or red cockscomb) is distinctive for its vibrant red color and velvety appearance, resembling the crest of a rooster.

• In Mexico, these blooms symbolize mourning and the blood of Christ – a prime example of the syncretism between catholicism (Spain) and ancient Aztec (Mexico) Day of the Dead traditions. 
• Often used alongside marigolds, cockscomb is placed on altars and graves to honor the departed.

IF YOU CAN’T FIND COCKSCOMB

Consider other flowers or foliage that offer similar colors or symbolism such as:

• Red Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus)
• Red Calla Lilies
• Red Dahlias
• Red Gladiolus

NUBES: BABY’S BREATH

I’ve also seen baby’s breath used in Day of the Dead floral arrangements. These delicate white flowers can symbolize purity and innocence, which is why you’ll find them on altars for children.

• Their soft scent and small size provide a dainty contrast to the bold marigolds and gladioli. I like to use them as an accent in floral arrangements and flower crowns. 

IF YOU CAN’T FIND BABY’S BREATH

Substitute it with flowers or foliage that provide a similar delicate and airy appearance:

• Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota)
• Limonium (Sea Lavender or Statice)
• Waxflower (Chamelaucium)

While marigolds, cockscomb, and baby’s breath are among the most popular Day of the Dead flowers, chrysanthemums, carnations, roses and other flowers also grace some altars.

CRISANTEMO: CHRYSANTHEMUMS 

Another popular choice for Day of the Dead celebrations is the chrysanthemum – the white chrysanthemum to be specific.

• Chrysanthemums are a symbol of simplicity and sympathy.
• These white flowers also represent peace, purity, and beauty.
• They blossom in the fall, just in time for Day of the Dead and remind us that life, too, has its seasons. 

IF YOU CAN’T FIND CHRYSANTHEMUMS

Use other flowers that symbolize purity and innocence:

• White Roses
• White Lilies
• White Daisies

CLAVELES: CARNATIONS

“Flores de Dios,” also known as carnation flowers, can have different symbolism depending on their color.

• White carnations are associated with purity, love, and respect for the deceased, other colors can carry distinct meanings.
• It’s important to note that the specific symbolism of carnations may vary in different regions and among different families. 

IF YOU CAN’T FIND CARNATIONS

Consider using:

• Roses
• Lilies
• Gerbera Daisies
• Tulips
• Chrysanthemums

GLADIOLOS: GLADIOLUS

Gladioli are tall and elegant and known less for their fragrance. People use them to create bouquets and flower crowns and decorate Day of the Dead altars, gravesites, and tombstones.

• Their vibrant colors and impressive size make them a symbol of celebration of life. These flowers represent strength, integrity, and faithfulness.

IF YOU CAN’T FIND GLADIOLAS

A few alternatives with similar height include:

• Larkspur
• Snapdragons
• Iris

LESSER KNOWN DAY OF THE DEAD FLOWERS

Of course you can use other flowers for Dia de Muertos, such as white hoary stock, roses, and calla lilies (alcatraz). While they may not be as popular as the other Day of the Dead flowers, they people have to make do with what they have accessible in some parts of the United States and Mexico. Each flower carries its own symbolism and significance when used in the context of this celebration. 

LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION?

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• 10 Creative Day of the Dead Crafts
• How to Make Paper Flowers for Day of the Dead
• Dia de los Muertos Flower Crown

Originally published on October 26, 2023 and updated with more detailed information and photos on October 28, 2024.