Meaning of Flor de cempasuchil (What is it, Concept and Definition)

What is the Cempasuchil Flower:

The cempasuchil flower is the flower of a plant known as tagete, Chinese carnation or Indian carnation .In Mexico, it the flame flower of the dead or cempaxochitl.Its scientific name is Tagetes erecta .The word "cempasuchil", as such, comes from Nahuatl and means 'twenty flower' or 'flower of twenty petals'.

The cempasuchil flower is a flower with great symbolic value in Mexico , especially in the celebration of the Day of the Dead.In addition to this, the flower is also used in the world of gardening for its ornamental virtues.Due to its popularity and uniqueness, origami crafts are also performed by reproducing this flower on paper.

Characteristics of the cempasuchil flower

The cempasuchil flower It is an autochthonous species of Mexico and Central America.The plant from which it sprouts can reach more than one meter in height.It reproduces by semill thus, and its flowering season is during the summer and the Nordic autumn.Its flower is very aromatic and its color ranges between yellow and orange.

What is the cempasuchil flower for?

Cempasuchil flower is used in some Mexican states as traditional medicine , mainly as a remedy for digestive diseases.It is also used in some places to fight respiratory and eye diseases.

Several scientific studies confirm some medicinal properties of cempasuchil flower: it is antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant.

Other uses of cempasuchil flower

It is increasingly used as a dye natural in feed intended for poultry consumption.The characteristics of this flower increase the yellowing of the skin of the chickens and the yolk of the eggs.It is also used as an ingredient for the preparation of soups and infusions.It is also used for the elaboration n of insecticides.

See also Parts of the flower.

Cultivation and care of the cempasuchil flower

This plant is adapted to various climates and soils, preferably climates with mild temperatures and no heavy frosts.The cultivation can start from May although in the greenhouses it can be grown throughout the year.The cempasuchil flower needs to receive sunlight and regular watering, although it also resists drought periods.

Meaning of the cempasuchil flower in Dia de Muertos

In Mexico, the cempasuchil flower is used as a decoration and ritual offering on Dia de Muertos .It is usual to use the petals to mark on the ground the path that the souls of the deceased must follow towards the domestic altars raised in their honor.This is because it was traditionally said that their petals kept the heat of the sun and illuminated the path of return to the deceased.Petals are also used to form necklaces that s they imply bliss.

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