Marigolds installation
A Day of the Dead collaborative art piece by Sigma Delta Pi and ASU
Carla León Celaya and Belén Agustina Sánchez, treasurer and president of Sigma Delta Pi and doctoral students in the Department of Spanish, devised and produced a piece of ephemeral art built throughout Monday, November 1st, with more than 300 students, teachers, and members from the ASU community.
This creative and performative activity in Hayden Library allowed us to disseminate information about the marigold flower and its relation with the Day of the Dead and the global reach of the celebration. In addition, it opened new connections between the Hispanic world and the rest of the vast international community of ASU. The brief gesture of selecting a flower and placing it on the frame along the name of a deceased loved one produced constellations of meanings and emotions. From Honduras to India, marigolds are part of different rituals, offerings, and celebrations. In permanent conversation with the participants, we have learned from all of those who shared anecdotes, stories, and reflections sparked by the yellow flower.
We want to thank everyone that shared their appreciation for the piece until late evening, while the breeze gently rocked the ribbons that held the names of all those people who had a central place in the heart of ASU that Monday.
The marigold (also known as Tagetes erecta, Aztec Marigold and cempazúchitl or cempasúchil) is a decorative flower used during Day of the Dead, a holiday celebrated in Mexico, the US and many other places in the world from 31st October through 2nd of November.
Also known as the Flower of the Dead or Flor de Muerto, the marigold is said to attract the souls of the dead. During the celebrations, grave sites are decorated with marigolds and the flowers are used to decorate altars constructed in honor of those passed. It is believed that the spirits of the dead visit the living during the celebration and that the marigold flowers guide the spirits to these alters by following the flowers scent and vibrant colors.
Fun fact: Marigolds also made their way to India, where they are also used in celebrations. Learn more about the Marigolds in India here.