Cempasúchitl

The petals of the Aztec marigold are used to guide the returning spirits to their offenda (Día de los Muertos alter) by their bright color and pungent scent. The marigold is joined by a host of other flowers, cockscomb, baby's breath, chrysanthemums, and gladiolas, in the construction of the ofrenda and its petals can be used to form a path leading to the alter. Instead of having to strip flowers yourself for enough petals, the enterprising vendors at the Día de los Muertos mercado have already done the work.