Dia de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world in many cultures with a latino ethnic background. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration takes place on November 1–2, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts.
The Day of the Dead is also celebrated in areas of the United States, such as California, Texas, and Arizona. Scholars trace the origins of the modern Mexican holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years and to an Aztec festival dedicated to a goddess called Mictecacihuatl. 

Marigolds are a significant symbol for the Day of the Dead festivities and are known as the "flower of the dead". Their scent is believed to "attract the souls and draw them back". They are also a symbol for passion and creativity. 

Mexican Cempasúchitl (Marigold), the traditional flower to honor the dead

I finished my beaded marigold flower today, and have something in mind that will link its symbolic meaning for the Day of the Dead and for creativity with a big project I'm brooding and working on for some time now. It will become clear later, once I get further into the project and post about it. I have the feeling that this project will be my first statement as Gabriella the Artist.

My beaded version of Cempasúchitl

GABROEN on behalf of Gabri