The most common flowers used for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) include the popular marigolds, known as cempasúchil in Spanish, but other flowers like cockscombs, baby’s breath, chrysanthemum, and carnations are also popular during these celebrations.

Day of the Dead flowers Cempazuchitl flowers, or marigolds, are considered the Day of the Dead flowers. They have a very distinct smell, and, when paired with the right kind of candle, believers say the souls of the departed return for a brief period of time to enjoy the pleasures of life once more.

Flowers have long been a major part of Day of the Dead traditions. Day of the Dead participants choose some flowers because of their meaning, some because of their appearance, and some for both. Some of the more common types of Day of the Dead flowers include marigolds, baby's breath, coxcombs, chrysanthemums, white hoary stock, and gladioluses.

A variety of different flowers are used in Day of the Dead ceremonies. The Aztecs and the Mayans used a wide range of flowers for their rituals, including Roses symbolizing love and life. Marigolds, meaning death. Carnations, representing grief, sorrow, and pain (but also hope).