The marigold is a humble flower, yet rich in symbolic meaning and medicine, both literally and metaphorically. Connected to the Divine Mother, early Christians named the flower “Mary’s Gold” and placed it at the foot of statues of the Blessed Mother in lieu of gold coins. The marigold is often used as a token of veneration and praise in festivities honoring Mary and is offered on the Feast Day of the Annunciation (March 25th), celebrating the conception of the Divine Mother.
The marigold is a heliotrope and represents companionship, mentoring, protection, and encouragement. The name marigold is equivalent to the number 7 in numerology, signifying deep understanding. Combined with the solar qualities of the sun, the marigold also represents a coniunctio or sacred marriage of the divine energies of spirit with the earthly energies of matter. The mandala of the marigold symbolizes passion, courage, and creativity, and represents a perennial challenge to new adventures of mind and spirit in service to the Divine.
Marigold flowers are used as sacred offerings in many cultures including Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Aztec, and Pagan religions and are recognized as a symbol of resurrection and connection to the spirits of those who have crossed over. The Welsh believed that rubbing marigold water on the eyelids would induce psychic visions of spirits and fairies.
Marigolds are one of the most easily recognizable symbols of Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead which is celebrated from October 31st to November 1st in Mexico and other places populated by peoples of Mexican descent. It is believed that at this time the souls of loved ones and friends who have passed on to spirit visit the living and that the scent and bright blooms of the marigold, known colloquially as “the flower of the dead”, help to guide the spirits to their respective family altars or ofrendas.
One of the great Indian mystics of the last century, ‘Mother’ (Mirra Richards) said that the marigold signified ‘Plasticity’. Describing the spiritual significance of Plasticity, she explained: “When you come to the Divine, you must abandon all mental conceptions. The only true attitude for a Yogi is to be plastic and ready to obey the Divine command, whatever it may be.” Mirra Richards believed that if peoples and nations could achieve the spirit of the Divine Mother whom this flower commemorates, all life would take on new meaning and purpose.
Medieval physicians listed the marigold as a medicinal plant. Boiled with sugar, it was used both internally and externally. A medical book dated 1578 declared, “The conserve that is made of the floures of Mary-goleds cureth the trembling of the harte.”. It was also recommended for sprains, wounds and skin maladies. Marigolds are antiseptic and antibacterial and are known for their wound healing properties. One can also make a poultice out to the flowers of the marigold for bee stings, burns, and skin infections. Since it is also useful in easing circulation disorders, marigold compresses can be applied to treat varicose veins. When its leaves are taken in as vegetables, they also prove to be medicinal as a remedy in treating tuberculosis of the lymphatic glands. (Wikipedia)
The silent message of the marigold flower is to heal, mind, body and soul ~ to know spirit ~ and to blossom by sharing the divine beauty you have inside of you with the world.