Flowers of remembrance: All Saints’ Day and the Day of the Dead

All Saints’ Day: the chrysanthemum

On November 1 families clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones. The chrysanthemum is the flower of this date: it blooms in autumn, lasts many days, and bringing it is a way of saying that they are remembered.

Carnations and gladioli also appear in wreaths and arrangements, but the chrysanthemum, especially the white one, is the flower most associated with this day.

The Day of the Dead: cempasúchil

In Mexico, cempasúchil is the flower of the Day of the Dead. It is an orange or yellow flower native to Mexico, whose name comes from Nahuatl. According to tradition, its color and scent mark the souls’ path to the ofrenda (altar), which is why paths of petals are laid from the door to the altar.

The altars also feature magenta terciopelo (cockscomb) and white baby’s breath. The orange petals of cempasúchil are one of the visual symbols of the whole celebration.

What’s the difference between November 1 and 2?

November 1 is All Saints’ Day, a Catholic feast that in Spain and much of Latin America is devoted to visiting the cemetery. November 2 is All Souls’ Day, and in Mexico it is the big day of the Day of the Dead, with altars at home and visits to the graves. In Mexico, November 1 is usually devoted to remembering children.

Be careful with chrysanthemums the rest of the year

In Spain, France or Italy the chrysanthemum is so associated with the cemetery that it’s best not to give it as a romantic or birthday gift. If you’re looking for purple flowers for November 9, which falls a week later, violets or lavender are a better choice.

In Florario these two dates have their own category, Remembrance, so they aren’t mixed up with romantic gifts.

Which flowers to take to the cemetery (and how to make them last)

• Potted chrysanthemums: they last for weeks outdoors in the November cold, much longer than a cut bunch.
• Carnations and gladioli: hardy and common in bouquets for graves.
• Soft-colored flowers: white, yellow and purple are the most common, but nothing stops you from bringing the person’s favorite flower.
• Avoid very delicate flowers, such as hydrangeas or tulips, which wilt in a couple of days outdoors.

Buy a couple of days ahead: on October 31 and November 1 prices rise and florists near cemeteries are swamped. If you can’t go, many cemeteries and flower shops offer delivery and placement services.

The flowers of the altar

On the Day of the Dead altar, cempasúchil doesn’t stand alone. It is usually accompanied by deep red terciopelo (cockscomb), which symbolizes mourning; white baby’s breath, for the purity of children who have died; and sometimes tuberoses or stock for their scent. The cempasúchil petals are used to trace a path from the door to the altar and to form arches and crosses. To support someone going through a recent loss, see the sympathy flowers guide.

Frequently asked questions