What Flowers Do They Use for Day of the Dead, and Why Do They Float in the Air Like Ghosts?

What Flowers Do They Use for Day of the Dead, and Why Do They Float in the Air Like Ghosts?

The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a vibrant and deeply symbolic celebration in Mexican culture, honoring deceased loved ones with colorful altars, offerings, and, of course, flowers. Among the many traditions associated with this holiday, the use of specific flowers stands out as a poignant and visually stunning element. But why do these flowers seem to float in the air like ghosts, defying gravity and logic? Let’s explore the significance of these blooms and the mystical aura they bring to this sacred occasion.

Marigolds: The Golden Thread Between Life and Death

The marigold, or cempasúchil in Nahuatl, is the most iconic flower associated with the Day of the Dead. Its vibrant orange and yellow hues are believed to guide spirits back to the world of the living. According to tradition, the petals are scattered to create a path from the graves to the altars, ensuring that the souls of the departed can find their way home. But what if these petals don’t just lie on the ground? What if they rise, forming a golden bridge that hovers in the air, connecting the realms of the living and the dead? This ethereal phenomenon, though unexplained, adds a layer of magic to the celebration, as if the flowers themselves are alive with the energy of the spirits.

White Flowers: Purity and the Breath of the Afterlife

White flowers, such as baby’s breath and white roses, are also commonly used during the Day of the Dead. They symbolize purity and the breath of the afterlife, offering a sense of peace and tranquility. These flowers are often arranged in vases or woven into wreaths, but sometimes, they seem to float above the altars, as if suspended by an invisible force. Could it be that the spirits are gently lifting them, using them as a medium to communicate their presence? The delicate, almost weightless appearance of these blooms adds to the otherworldly atmosphere of the celebration.

Purple Flowers: Mystery and the Veil Between Worlds

Purple flowers, such as Mexican sage and cockscomb, are another important element of Day of the Dead altars. Their deep, rich color represents mourning and the mysterious veil that separates the living from the dead. These flowers are often arranged in intricate patterns, but occasionally, they appear to hover in mid-air, forming shapes that resemble faces or symbols. Is this a sign from the spirits, or simply a trick of the light? The ambiguity only deepens the sense of wonder and reverence that surrounds the holiday.

The Science (or Lack Thereof) Behind Floating Flowers

While the idea of flowers floating in the air may seem fantastical, it’s worth considering the role of perception and imagination in the Day of the Dead. The celebration is, after all, a time when the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur. The flickering light of candles, the scent of incense, and the vibrant colors of the flowers all contribute to an atmosphere that feels otherworldly. Perhaps the floating flowers are not a physical phenomenon but a manifestation of the collective belief in the presence of spirits. In this way, the flowers become a metaphor for the intangible connection between the living and the dead.

The Cultural Significance of Flowers in the Day of the Dead

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the flowers used in the Day of the Dead carry deep cultural and spiritual significance. They are not merely decorations but tools for communication with the afterlife. Each type of flower has its own meaning and purpose, reflecting the complex relationship between life, death, and memory. The marigold’s brightness symbolizes the joy of remembering loved ones, while the white flowers represent the peace that comes with acceptance. The purple flowers, with their air of mystery, remind us that death is not an end but a transition to another state of being.

The Floating Flowers: A Symbol of Hope and Continuity

The image of flowers floating in the air, whether real or imagined, serves as a powerful symbol of hope and continuity. It suggests that the spirits of the departed are still present, watching over their loved ones and participating in the celebration. This belief provides comfort and reassurance, reinforcing the idea that death is not a final separation but a transformation. The flowers, in their ethereal beauty, become a bridge between the past and the present, the living and the dead.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Life, Death, and the In-Between

The Day of the Dead is a unique and profound celebration that embraces the duality of life and death. The flowers used in this tradition are more than just decorative elements; they are symbols of love, memory, and the enduring connection between the living and the dead. Whether they float in the air or rest on the altars, these blooms remind us that the spirits of our loved ones are never truly gone. They live on in our hearts, in our memories, and in the vibrant colors of the flowers that honor them.


  1. Why are marigolds specifically used for the Day of the Dead?
    Marigolds are believed to guide spirits back to the world of the living with their bright colors and strong scent, making them a central element of the celebration.

  2. What other symbols are commonly found on Day of the Dead altars?
    Altars often include candles, photographs of the deceased, food offerings, sugar skulls, and incense, each with its own symbolic meaning.

  3. How do families prepare for the Day of the Dead?
    Families clean and decorate gravesites, create altars at home, and prepare special foods and drinks to welcome the spirits of their loved ones.

  4. Is the Day of the Dead celebrated outside of Mexico?
    Yes, the Day of the Dead is celebrated in various forms in other Latin American countries and by Mexican communities around the world.

  5. What is the significance of the floating flowers in the Day of the Dead?
    The idea of floating flowers adds a mystical and ethereal quality to the celebration, symbolizing the presence of spirits and the connection between the living and the dead.