October Birth Flower:
Marigold and Cosmos

October Birth Flower: Marigold

Symbolism: Joy, Tradition, Family, Death, Celebration

Zodiac Sign: Libra & Scorpio

We start our look into the birth flowers of October with the beautiful Marigold, a flower that brightens up any room with its colour and joyfulness. Believe me, it's history is just as fiery as its petals!

The God of the Sun

Marigolds are originally from Mexico and central America. In ancient Aztec culture the marigold was considered the flower of the dead, much like the lily is seen in Europe. In the Nahualtl language the word for marigold is “Cempasúchil” which means the “flower of twenty petals,” . Legend has it that these sacred flowers were gifted to the world by Tonatiuh, the Aztec god of the sun, for people to use to honour their dead relatives.

Day of the Dead

Today, the marigold continues to be an essential aspect of Day of the Dead celebrations, its flowers are used to make garlands, wreaths and altar decorations and create paths leading to "ofrendas" (offerings to the dead). The flower's joyful colours encapsulate the feeling of the festival, as it's more about celebrating the lives of the dead rather than feeling sombre that they have passed.

The Marigold and the Hummingbird

An ancient Aztec legend talks of a young couple, Xótchitl and Huitzilin. When Huitzilin was killed in battle, a devastated Xótchitl prayed to Tonatiuh the sun god to reunite them. Tonatiuh sent down from the heavens a beam of sunshine that brought Huitzilin back to life as a hummingbird and transformed Xótchitl into a Marigold, so that they would be together forever.

Marigolds in Indian Culture

Marigolds are also an important icon of Indian culture. They were first brought to India around 400 years ago by colonial traders, and in the years since they have become a symbol of celebration, especially during weddings and the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali.

During this holiday, marigold's fiery yellow and orange flowers can often be seen adorning tables and doorways or made into beautiful garlands for people to wear, bringing a further splash of colour to an already colourful celebration.

October Birth Flower: Cosmos

Symbolism: Tenacity, Strength, Kindness, Balance

Zodiac Sign: Libra & Scorpio

Like the Marigold, october's other birth flower, Cosmos, is also native to Mexico but has spread all over the world. Cosmos is part of the aster family (see September birth flowers) which includes sunflowers, daisies and and dandelions too. This pretty flower comes in a whole host of lovely colours, from delicate pinks and whites to deeper oranges and reds.

Small but Mighty

Cosmos are low maintenance and very easy to grow, making them a favourite flower amongst gardeners the world over. Don't be fooled by their prettiness though, they may look dainty but they are tough too! Even in some of the harshest hot and dry conditions you can see cosmos growing. Cosmos plants are self seeding and so germinate by themselves, a trait that has helped them spread across the world.

The pretty open flowers of the cosmos are full of nectar and great for attracting birds and pollinating insects like bees and butterflies to your garden. Cosmos flowers are particularly attractive for helpful insects like lacewings and hover-flies that feed on many pest insects. Cosmos also bloom for many months, making them a great option if you want a flower that you can enjoy right through the summer and autumn.

Like their daisy cousins, cosmos are also edible and make a pretty addition to salads. Scientists have even discovered that they contain antioxidant properties which naturally help to protect the body from diseases.

Flower of Kindness

In Japanese culture cosmos are associated with cleanliness and purity. Cosmos is also the official flower of World Kindness Day, a movement started in Japan in the 1990s, that promotes sharing, cooperation and peace across the world.

Peaceful Petals

In Victorian floriography (otherwise known as the “Language of Flowers”), the gifting of cosmos flowers to someone conveyed the sentiments of joy and tranquility. They were often associated with themes of balance and calm, making them the perfect flower for Libras!

October Birth Flower Tattoo Ideas: Cosmos

October Birth Flower Tattoo Ideas: Marigolds