Zempasuchil - Marigolds
The Zempasuchil was the symbolic flower of death to the Aztecs. Perhaps this association was made because once the marigold is cut, it dies very quickly. For this reason, Flowers on the ofrenda refer to the earth and the regenerative forces of nature.
Also, in some regions, marigold petals are strewn to create a symbolic pathway leading souls to the ofrenda.
