Marigolds are probably the most vibrant form of Orange
It is believed that the spirits of the dead visit the living during the celebration. Marigolds guide the spirits to their altars using their vibrant colors and pungent scent. Marigolds, or flowers in general, also represent the fragility of life.
Aside from being offered as a sacrifice to gods from Christian, Aztec, Buddhist, Hindu, and Pagan religions, this little flower has strong ties to the sun and its power to resurrect. All types of Marigold offer the same basic meanings because they all share the same bright yellow, red, or orange color.
Victorian flower language experts considered it a symbol of despair and grief, which is shared with the Mexican cultural conception linking it to the remembrance of the dead during Dia de Muertos.
The Victorians also linked it with cruel treatment towards a loved one. Modern meanings focus on the sunny color and beauty instead, giving the flower a meaning of optimism and success instead.
Marigolds were carried as love charms or spells in the Middle Ages by both genders who wanted to attract someone new.
The inspirations for the color orange primarily come from the the parts of the world that use marigolds in their religion services. Then there is the sunlight that gives a golden color, related to Orange, and even wood, adds the golden warmth as a texture. Raw steel, another material that has the strength and the color orange; lava rock; stained glass, a simple balloon.
Although I do not use Orange as a dominate color, I sparingly use the color to add a POP of color by way of fabrics, Citrine glass objects, mosaic, roses, shoes….
