Marigold (Tagetes patula) is a flower in the Asteraceae family native to the south of Mexico, though now naturalized around the world. The genus name of the botanical - Tagetes - comes from the Etruscan prophet Tages, born from the plowing of the earth. The name likely refers to the ease with which marigolds come out each year.

Believed to hold both medicinal and magical properties, marigolds were long held as a panacea, used to treat hiccups, save victims of lightning strikes, and allow weary travelers to cross bodies of water safely.

The English word marigold is derived from Mary's gold, and the flower holds cultural significance around the world. In pre-Hispanic Mexico, marigolds were considered the flower of the dead, and today are still used widely in Day of the Dead celebrations. Their blossoms are used to decorate households and altars and are often scattered on relatives' graves, which is why marigolds often grow in abundance in cemeteries.

In Hindu religious ceremonies, marigolds are strung up as garlands to decorate during the harvest festival, as they are the same hue as the maize and peppers that also feature prominently in festivities. They're a remarkably durable plant, as is evidenced by the fact that they journeyed across the Atlantic twice, travelling 3,000 miles north of their origin point.

A natural deterrent to several common insects, as well as nematodes, marigolds are often a companion plant to the tomato, eggplant, chili pepper, tobacco, and potato. Because of their vibrant orange hue, they're often cultivated for their dye, and in some cultures are used as a culinary herb in a similar capacity to tarragon. While some varieties are bred to be scentless, the common marigold has a distinct musky, pungent aroma.

In South Africa, marigolds are a useful pioneer plant, a hardy species that is the first to colonize barren environments that have been disrupted and destroyed, often by fire.

In vodka, marigold acts as a natural substitute to glycerine, creating a smooth and full mouthfeel that mixes and melds with the bright floral notes of chamomile and lemon zest.

Found in: AMASS Botanic Vodka