Flowers have been held in high esteem in various cultures around the world. Each culture favoring one or more species of flowers that define their people and is indigenous to their land or has played an essential role in their beliefs. Mexican culture is at the top of this list; Mexicans believe flowers are precious, and they even associate flowers with gods. Xochiquetzal, from Aztec mythology, was regarded as the goddess of flower and love. While her twin brother Xochipilli, who is the god of beauty and art, is mostly portrayed holding a bouquet of calla lilies.
The exchange of flowers is required during some Mexican festivals, and flowers can be placed on the statue of their gods as an offering. Flowers have a deep history in Mexican culture and can represent anything, including beauty, love, and death.
This article is going to address the following points:
* The importance of flowers in Mexico
* 10 types of Mexican flowers
* Flowers for the day of the dead celebration.
The Importance Of Flowers In Mexico
The variety of flowers that can be found in Mexico has fascinated every flower lover for years now; each landscape in Mexico has its own unique flowers. Its land produces a stunning arrangement of flowers that seems to blend smoothly. A common item found in all Mexican homes is flowers.
Home gardens in Mexico are widespread, and flowers are vital ingredients in a variety of Mexican festivals, including the Day of the Dead. There is also a feast called Tlaxochimoco, which translates to “the distribution of flowers.” The Mexicans even give flowers as offerings to their deities.
The Feast of Xochiquetzal, also called Farewell to the Flowers, is celebrated to mark the end of the main growing season. During the celebration, houses, streets, places of worship, and even people are adorned with flowers.
In Mexico, flowers have held an important position for centuries now, they have been used for festivals as offerings, and to represent their gods.
10 Types Of Mexican Flowers
Below are some examples of Mexican flowers and the meaning they hold.
LAELIA ORCHID
This flower is from the Orchidaceae family, and it is also called rosy-tinted laelia. The laelia orchid represents love, beauty, and luxury. This beautiful flower has faint shades of pink blossoms that bloom all year, and they grow on rocks or trees. The orchid is mostly used as a table centerpiece because of its durable nature.
MEXICAN SUNFLOWER
This sunflower from the Asteraceae family is a symbol of adoration, loyalty, and faith. The Mexican sunflower blooms from summer to the beginning of autumn. It materializes on shrubs, and each shrub is capable of producing up to 120 flowers. This makes it extremely thick with stunning blooms that are identical to a daisy.
These flowers are commonly known as crane flowers, and they represent excellence and beauty. The flowers of this plant resemble the head of a plumed bird, hence the name. They bloom from summer to autumn and can grow up to 6 feet tall.
This flower from the Asparagaceae family is a symbol of protection and purification. It blooms in the summer and bears fruit that resembles a banana. A portion of the plant can be ingested, and it can be used to heal specific ailments. Its blooms are white, and they carry a pleasant scent.
BELIZE SAGE
The Belize sage from the Lamiaceae family is a symbol of protection and healing. It blooms during the summer and can grow in compact spaces, including containers or pots. These reddish-orange flowers are small and can serve as both a garden and an indoor plant.
SWORD LILY
This flower is from the Iridaceae family, and it represents sympathy and memories. It blooms at the beginning of summer and is mostly used during the Day of the Dead celebration. The flowers of the sword lily come in different shades of red, pink, and yellow, and they grow on top of each other, resembling a sword, hence the name. They were offered to gladiators in the past because of its sword-like shape.
DAHLIA
Dahlia is from the Asteraceae family, and it is a symbol of dignity, creativity, and elegance. It blooms from summer to autumn, and it is the national flower of Mexico. They are believed to represent people who stay true to their faith. The dahlia has a large bloom with two-tone flowers. Its unique petal design catches the attention of passersby, and the dahlia can also be found in salads.
MEXICAN HONEYSUCKLE
This flower is from the Acanthaceae family, and it represents happiness. It blooms tiny and thin orange flowers in the spring. Mexican honeysuckle attracts butterflies, and some varieties of these flowers have a pleasant scent.
PINEAPPLE SAGE
Pineapple sage symbolizes healing, and it blooms red-colored flowers from late summer to the beginning of autumn. This flower got its name from the pineapple-like scent it exudes, and as a result, this sage is commonly used as ground cover in a garden.
MEXICAN MORNING GLORY
This flower comes in a variety of colors, including blue, white, and purple. They represent unfulfilled love, and they bloom from summer to autumn, and it is commonly found in dry locations.
Flowers For The Day Of The Dead Celebration
Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos is a Mexican celebration that lasts from October 31st to November 2nd. According to tradition, during this period, the souls of the dead can briefly visit their families, and this reunion involves food, dancing, and celebration. The Day of the Dead is simply a day of remembrance, where families can remember their deceased relatives and welcome them back home.
During this period, the Mexican marigold flowers are used to decorate the streets because it is believed that its scent is what guides the spirits home. Although the Mexican marigold is the most recognized flower for this celebration, it is not the only flower used. Other flowers used during this celebration include baby’s breath, cockscomb, and gladiolus.