Mexican people across the globe are preparing to celebrate the Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, on November 1 and 2. Contrary to what you may believe after hearing the name, the Day of the Dead is not a sordid affair. In fact, it's a positive and colorful occasion during which people honor the memory of their loved ones. They view death as a continuation of life, rather than the end of it. The celebration has merged with Catholic theology in more recent years, but continues to uphold the traditions of the Aztec culture which started it thousands of years ago.
The Day of the Dead is a time for families to offer flowers, candles, food and prayers to their deceased relatives. They create elaborate altars featuring these gifts and items that belonged to the dead. Some communities even gather in the cemeteries to sing songs and dance. The rituals give those who participate time to reflect on the meanings of death and life.
According to Chron.com, marigolds are the traditional flowers for the Day of the Dead. Their scent and bright yellow petals are said to guide the way for the souls who come back to celebrate with their living families. The orange and yellow flowers symbolize the sun's rays, which are used to light paths, adorn crosses and decorate the altars.
Many other colorful flowers are used to celebrate the holiday, along with numerous candies - most of which are in the shape of skulls. Sugar skulls are made bearing the names of the dead, which their relatives eat as part of the remembrance. The significance of skulls dates back to the Aztecs, who kept them as trophies and put them on display to commemorate their relatives.
Whether or not you're Mexican or Latino, you can celebrate the Day of the Dead by remembering your relatives and offering them the gift of flowers. Bring floral arrangements to the graves of those you love and celebrate their lives with bright blue, yellow and pink flowers. Don't think about how sad you were to lose them - instead, recollect the best moments you shared with them and the love you experienced.
If you want to order flowers to celebrate the Day of the Dead last-minute, why not order online and have your flowers delivered? They'll get there in time for you to use during your remembrance.