Sowing time: In Mexico, the Cempasúchil planting season is usually in spring, since this flower blooms in autumn, coinciding with the Day of the Dead. Sow the seeds or seedlings in spring to make sure you will have flowers in time for the celebration.
What is the cempasúchil flower for
The cempasúchil flower It has several traditional and cultural uses and applications, as well as some more contemporary uses.
- Dead Day offerings: The best known use of the cempasúchil flower is in the offerings of the day of the dead.
2. Decoration: The cempasúchil flowers are used to decorate altars, tombs, streets and commemorative spaces during the festivities of the Day of the Dead, adding a touch of color and beauty to the celebration.
3. Traditional medicine: In some indigenous cultures of Mexico, parts of the Cempasúchil plant for medicinal purposes have been used. For example, cempasúchil infusions have been used to treat conditions such as colds and fever.
4. Natural dyes: The cempasúchil petals are used as a source of natural dyes to dye textiles and food in some communities.
5. Arts and crafts: In some regions, Cempasúchil flowers are used in the creation of handicrafts, such as flower necklaces and festive decorations.
6. Aromatherapy and essential oils: The essential oil of Cempasúchil is obtained from the plant and is used in aromatherapy due to its distinctive fragrance and its association with spirituality and celebration.
7. Ornamental gardening: Outside the context of the Day of the Dead, the flowers of Cempasúchil are grown as ornamental plants in gardens and landscapes due to their vibrant orange and their ease of care.
The cempasúchil flower contributes to the symbolic, visual and olfactory wealth of the Mexican cultural, especially the one that honors the deceased, being a great representative of an entire country.