Marigold flowers, with their vibrant color and captivating beauty, have captured the hearts of many for centuries. But beyond their ornamental value, these flowers hold deep meanings and symbolism in several cultures and traditions.
This article will take you on a journey into the fascinating world of marigolds. We’ll explore where they got their name, what each color means, what cultural and religious significance they hold, and their various uses.
How did the marigold flower get its name?
The marigold flower got its name from its association with the Virgin Mary. The name “marigold” is a combination of the words “Mary” and “gold,” referring to both the flower’s color and its prevalent usage in honoring the Virgin Mary.
In the past, marigolds were commonly known as “Mary’s Gold,” “Mary Gowles,” and “Mary-Gould,” depending on the region you live in.
Marigolds are often associated with the Virgin Mary, as they are reminiscent of the golden halo that’s often depicted around the Virgin Mary’s head in many religious artworks.
They’re also often used to decorate the altars of the Virgin Mary and in celebration of festivals honoring her.
What is the botanical origin of the marigold flower?
The marigold flower comprises various species from the Tagetes and Calendula genera, each with a distinct botanical origin. The Tagetes marigolds are native to Mexico, while the Calendula marigolds originate from Europe.
The marigolds from the Targetes genus were first discovered in the early 16th century in Mexico and were later brought to other parts of the world. Currently, the African marigold and the French marigold are the most popular varieties of this genus.
On the other hand, the marigolds belonging to the Calendula genus, commonly called pot marigolds, are native to southern and northern Europe. They have been around since ancient times, so the exact date of their discovery is hard to pinpoint.
Where do marigold flowers grow?
Marigold flowers are adaptable and easy to cultivate, so they can be found growing in diverse regions across the globe. However, they primarily grow in North and South America, Europe, and North Africa.
Marigolds also thrive in warm and sunny environments.
Due to their ornamental value, they’re mainly grown in gardens in both residential and public spaces. Their vibrant color adds a splash of color to parks, landscapes, and homes, so they’re popular among landscapers and homeowners.
Do marigold flowers require a lot of maintenance?
Marigold flowers don’t require a lot of maintenance. They’re known to repel pests and are tolerant to heat and drought, so they’re relatively easy to grow and maintain.
Do marigold flowers need shade or sun?
Both marigolds and pot marigolds are sun-loving plants, so they thrive best in full sun. They can tolerate partial shade but may produce fewer flowers if they don’t receive enough light.
When do marigold flowers bloom?
Most types of marigold flowers bloom in late spring or early summer until the first frost in autumn. The exact blooming period can vary depending on the variety, growing conditions, and climate.
They tend to have a long flowering season, providing colorful blooms for several months. However, if you live in regions that have colder climates, expect their blooming season to be shorter.
What kind of soil do marigold flowers prefer?
Marigold flowers are adaptable and can tolerate almost all soil types except heavy clay. However, they tend to perform best in well-drained, highly fertile soil with a pH of 6.2 to 7.
Heavy clay soils tend to not drain well, which can cause the marigold flowers’ roots to rot. So it’s best to use loam soil, which is a combination of sand, silt, and clay.
As for the pH level, they can tolerate a broad range of pH levels, so this shouldn’t cause significant problems for you.
When is the best time to plant marigold flower seeds?
The best time to plant marigold flower seeds is during spring, about two or three weeks from the last frost date.
Planting around this season minimizes the risk of frost damage and provides the seeds with longer daylight hours, which is ideal for germination and growth.
If you have a soil thermometer, it’s best to check the temperature of the soil before planting the seeds. They tend to germinate best when the soil temperature is around 21°C.
What do marigold flowers mean?
Marigold flowers are typically used to represent purity, power, despaired love, death, rejection, and remembrance. The flowers’ meaning changes depending on culture, religion, and color.
These flowers can symbolize both positive and negative things, so it’s best to be careful when gifting them to anyone. It carries significant symbolism in various cultures, which can affect their meaning.
What do the colors of marigold flowers mean?
What is the cultural significance of the marigold flower?
Marigold flowers have cultural significance and symbolism that differ for each country and religion.
They serve as flowers of the dead in Mexico, but they are also considered lucky in Chinese culture. They can also serve as a symbol of love and commitment in one culture and a symbol of unrequited love in another.
What did the marigold symbolize in various historical periods?
What are the cultural associations of the marigold flower?
What are the spiritual or religious meanings of the marigold flower?
What are the uses of the marigold flower?
Marigold flowers have a wide range of uses and applications. They can be used as ornamental plants, pest-repellant, medicine for certain illnesses, and cooking ingredients.
What are the uses of marigold flowers in medicine?
Marigold flowers have been used as a cure for different illnesses and diseases for many years. They can help reduce inflammation, heal wounds, ease digestive problems, and support eye health.
Certain marigold species contain flavonoids and carotenoids, which can help reduce inflammation. These anti-inflammatory properties also help relieve itching and redness in the skin.
They also possess antimicrobial properties that can aid in healing wounds. The flowers help reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and promote the regeneration of healthy skin cells.
Marigolds have also been used to help soothe gastrointestinal inflammation and alleviate symptoms of indigestion and gastritis for decades now.
Lastly, marigolds from the Calendula genus can help alleviate eye inflammation, reduce eye fatigue, and promote overall eye health. Hence, many suggest drinking marigold tea to help your eyes.
What are the uses of marigold flowers in cooking?
Marigold flowers are edible, so they can be used as ingredients for dishes. In fact, these flowers have been used as food and food coloring for hundreds of years now.
These flowers can serve as an edible garnish for your dishes to elevate the presentation. They can add a splash of color and a sense of uniqueness to your meal.
Moreover, they can be used as additional flavors for certain drinks like tea, vodka, and more.
They can also be used as food coloring if you don’t want to use commercially processed food colorants. Their bright orange and yellow color can make any food look more appealing.
What are the uses of marigold flowers in the beauty industry?
Marigold flowers have properties that can help treat acne and promote skin health, youthful complexion, and healthy hair growth. Extracts from marigolds can also be used to make perfumes.
Because of the anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of the flowers, they can be used in making lotions and creams. They help reduce redness and are good for people with sensitive skin.
The flowers also have antimicrobial properties, which are helpful in treating and avoiding acne. This is why some spot treatments and cleansers use marigold extract as one of their ingredients.
The flavonoid in marigold flowers is also an antioxidant that can protect the skin from fine lines and wrinkles.
Aside from these, marigolds are also used to make shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products, as they can help nourish the scalp.
Lastly, many perfume manufacturers use marigold essential oils in making their perfume. The flower has a very strong smell that can add a floral scent to the perfume, so they’re popular in the perfume industry.
What are the uses of marigold flowers in gardening?
Marigold flowers can be used to repel pests and add ornamental value to your garden. They can also serve as companion plants for your vegetables.
Marigolds have vibrant and eye-catching appearances, so they can make your garden look more luxurious and attractive. They can serve as great border plants for your backyard.
They also have pest-repelling abilities, which can help protect the other flowers and vegetables in your garden. The flowers have a very strong fragrance that naturally deters pests that can cause problems later on.
