Marigold: The October Birth Flower

Every month we are asking if you know about your birth flower. And this month we're talking about the MARIGOLD!

The idea that birth flowers, such as the marigold, have meanings was introduced in the early 18th century by members of the literary community. So each month was assigned a flower. And it was thought that the characteristics of those would be inherited by those born in that month.

The birth flower for October

In the UK the marigold is most often used as a classic garden bedding plant. Available from most garden centres, they are commonly grown as white and orange varieties. They are used to add bold colour and impact to window boxes, hanging baskets, and flower beds. The marigold is a hardy plant that will last throughout the summer and into autumn.

Marigold Meaning and Symbolism

Unsurprisingly, due to its appearance and bright colours, the marigold is often mentioned in relation to the sun. In literature, poems, and music!

The marigold grows well across the globe. And it has been adopted into many cultures. This means it has acquired a long list of presumed meanings. The marigold is thought to instill:

Creativity
Grace
Elegance

But did you know also that different colours of marigolds hold even more different meanings? And if you were to gift these to someone, you could symbolise more than you think.

RED MARIGOLDS: Romantic Love

YELLOW MARIGOLDS: Good Luck

ORANGE MARIGOLDS: Positive Emotion

TWO-TONED ORANGE AND RED: Passion

Petal Republic have a great in depth explanation of these unique meanings here.

Cultural importance of the marigold

In Mexico the marigold is considered sacred. Adopted by the Aztecs, marigold blossom is an integral part of Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) where it is thought to be a gateway for spirits to reconnect with their loved ones.

An arch of marigolds for Day of the Dead

Also in India, marigolds are used in wedding celebrations and ceremonies. They are associated with the sun, and the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. They are therefore thought to bless the newly weds with a long and happy marriage.

And in Christianity, marigolds are associated with the Virgin Mary. As the word mari-gold, literally translates into Mary's Gold! Legend has it that Mary used the flower instead of coins to pay for goods and services.

A gardeners friend

There are few plants that are as good to a gardener as a marigold. Not only are they edible, medicinal, and make an excellent cup of tea...they also deter a whole number of pests!

By planting them around your vegetable beds you can prevent your carrots being gobbled up by carrot fly. And they stop nematodes from eating your vegetable roots, and even put off rabbits from stealing your crop.

Not to mention...popping a border of bright marigolds around your vegetable boxes makes them look lovely for the whole of the growing season.

What’s in a name?

Just like many of our birth flowers such as Poppy, Violet, Lily...Marigold is also a traditional name for a girl. And most recently Marigold was used as a character name in Downton Abbey. Did you know Winston Churchill also named one of his daughters Marigold?

Read more about the meaning and popularity of the name Marigold here:

Marigold - Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity (thebump.com)

For the ultimate tips to growing marigolds check out the RHS guide here.