Question

uses of marigold flower in religion

Answer 1

The Marigold is said to have derived its name from “Mary’s Gold”, taken from the fact that early Christians placed flowers instead of coins on Mary’s altar as an offering. This flower is often used in festivities honoring Mary.
The marigold is likewise associated with the sun - being vibrant yellow and gold in color. The flowers are open when the sun is out. The marigold is also called the “herb of the sun”, representing passion and even creativity.
It is also said that marigolds symbolize cruelty, grief and jealousy. It can mean to show strong passion, being associated with the legendary brave and courageous lion. Its Victorian meaning, desire for riches, is probably consequent to the legends of the flower being Mary’s gold, depicting coins.

As they are luminous and beautiful to see, they are often used as love charms. They are mostly used in weddings depicting beauty and a sign of new beginning for the married couple.

Marigold flowers are not only significant in the Indian Culture but also all over the world.
► It was believed that water made from marigold was used to invoke psychic visions of fairies, if rubbed on someone's eyes.

► Marigold was a sacred flower to the Aztecs. It was used in many religious ceremonies and also as a medicine. The Aztecs were of the belief that marigold flowers relieved one from hiccups and it cured people who were struck by lightning.

► According to Mexican tradition, marigold flowers are used during Dia de los Muertos, which in English means Day of the Dead. It is a tradition which originated in Mexico, celebrated on the 1st November of every year to honor the lives of family and friends who passed away. Mexicans are of the belief that during this day, dead souls visit the living and marigold flowers guide them towards the altar.

► Due to its strong odor, dead souls are attracted towards the flowers. Burial sites are adorned with marigolds and even the private altars constructed for the dead are surrounded with marigold. 

► According to the language of flowers, French marigold flower means jealousy and African marigold flower means a vulgar mind.

► Portuguese introduced marigolds in India, it is widely cultivated in India to make garlands, for decorative purpose in marriages and festivals. Particularly, Dussehra where individuals adorn their vehicles and homes with marigold garlands.