The MARIGOLD… with reference to Mary, the Virgin Mother, the English derivative of Marigold is a combination of Mary + Gold (for the Marigold’s golden/yellow color) and is known as  Mary’s Flower.  Its association with the Virgin Mary has made the Marigold a flower of good blessings, often used in weddings, festivals and religious celebrations.

The Marigold has world wide respect and appeal, giving Marigold species names such as the French Marigold and the African Marigold, also known as the Aztec Marigold. The Aztecs used the golden/red Marigold flowers to decorate their shrines and temples, and ultimately as a symbol of the Aztec Massacre by the Spanish.  This is how the Marigold got its sad but revered  symbol as the flower of grief, the flor de muerto.

The Hindus also regarded the Marigold as a both a sacred flower and one that soothed grief.

A very interesting tidbit about the Marigold is its clock-like behavior of following the sun… opening its bloom in the morning and closing each evening.  Weather lore tells us that if a Marigold has not opened by 7:00 am, there will be rain before sunset. 

Let your kids in on the symbols and secrets of the lovely Marigold.  Why not photograph it early in the morning and again at sunset to check out the lore.  Tell of its meanings of both blessings and grief… talking of customs of different countries, continents, cultures.  Remember that kids LOVE to learn new things, interesting things, things that keep their minds and hearts open to learning.

Have fun!