The vibrant cempasúchil, or marigold, flower is a central element in Día de Muertos festivities and altar displays for loved ones.
This fall, Desert Botanical Garden, in partnership with Mexican artisans, will bring to life a community ofrenda, or altar, inspired by the legend of the cempasúchil.
The tale dates back to pre-Colombian times, featuring Xóchitl and Huitzilin, childhood friends who grew to lovers. They sought a blessing for their love from Tonatiuh, the Sun God. Climbing a sunlit hill, their union was graciously blessed by Tonatiuh. Tragically, Huitzilin was killed in battle.
Overwhelmed with grief, Xóchitl begged Tonatiuh to join Huitzilin in eternity. Moved by her sorrow, Tonatiuh transformed her into a beautiful cempasúchil flower.
The flower remained closed until a hummingbird, the spirit of Huitzilin, perched upon it and opened, revealing its brilliant orange hue.
The legend holds that as long as the cempasúchil blooms and hummingbirds visit, the love of Xóchitl and Huitzilin persists.
Today, many believe that hummingbirds are the spirits of the departed coming back to visit. On Día de Muertos, the scent of cempasúchil guides the souls of the deceased to their ofrendas, reuniting them with their lost loved ones.
This year the Garden will tell this beautiful love story through impressive displays of monumental cempasúchil flowers made by artisans in Oaxaca and intricate silver hummingbirds created by metal smiths from Taxco de Alarcón. Visitors will have a chance to honor their loved ones at the community ofrenda exhibit located in Ottosen Gallery.
The Garden’s Día de Muertos festivities begin Nov. 1 with the opening of the community altar and a festival Nov. 2-3. The event is included with general admission. Purchase your ticket at dbg.org.
