Looking for marigolds? Find them at these Latino-owned stores in Phoenix

While several elements characterize this holiday – which is based on pre-colonial indigenous practices then adopted by the Catholic Church in Mexico – such as sugar skulls, ofrendas (altars) and pan de muerto (sweet bread dedicated to the memory of lost loved ones) . ), Cempasúchil flowers are a distinctive staple of the Mexican holiday and one of the main elements included in the traditional ofrenda.

Cempasúchil, a Nahuatl word, is the Aztec name for the marigold.

Día de Muertos honors the dead: Here's how Arizonans keep the tradition alive

In Mexican tradition, the long-stemmed, pompom-like orange blossom, which exudes a musky and earthy scent, symbolizes life and death. It also symbolizes the brightness of the sun that guides the souls of the departed to the ofrendas that their loved ones built for them.

While the official day to celebrate Día de Muertos is November 2nd, many begin setting up their ofrendas as early as October 27th, making the celebrations take place at least a week before the official date.