NYBG Floral Scatter T-shirt | Black
Our NYBG Floral Scatter design features a selection of flowers that are most commonly found during Día de los Muertos celebrations. These include marigolds, chrysanthemums, cockscomb, and baby's breath; the original illustrations (dating back to 1614) are housed within the LuEsther T. Mertz Library's Rare Book room.
• Designed in the Bronx; Printed in Rochester, NY
• 100% Cotton (sustainably and fairly grown USA cotton)
• Preshrunk, soft-washed, garment-dyed fabric
In celebrating Día de los Muertos, we are reminded that remembrance is an act of love, and through the beauty of flowers, the spirits of the departed never truly fade. They bloom, again and again, in the hearts of those who remember them.
Marigolds, known in Mexico as cempasúchil, are the flowers most associated with Día de los Muertos celebrations. Their vibrant orange and yellow colors symbolize the sun, warmth, and the light of life. According to ancient Aztec beliefs, the marigold was sacred to Mictecacihuatl, the goddess of death. Their scent is so strong and distinctive that no spirit could ignore it. When scattered, the petals create a colorful, glowing trail helping to guide the spirits of the deceased back to the world of the living.
In Mexico, chrysanthemums symbolize death, respect, and mourning. They are a common sight on graves and altars, representing the dignity of remembrance. Their long lasting, rounded blooms are an ideal choice for the Día de los Muertos celebrations. The white colored ones are a symbol of peace and commonly used in funerals and memorials.
Native to China, chrysanthemums did not appear in Mexico until the nineteenth century. Yellow colored ones are symbols of light and perfectly compliment the marigolds used in the Día de los Muertos celebrations. They are an ideal choice for floral arrangements as they are long lasting.
The cockscomb flower or terciopelo rojo meaning “red velvet”, is easily recognized by its texture and color. It symbolizes blood and sacrifice. The surface folds also resemble a brain, which can represent thought and memory. Seen on an altar for Día de los Muertos, their red coloring provides a carpet effect contrasting the bold yellow and orange colors of marigolds and chrysanthemums celebrating both joy and sorrow.
The delicate white blossoms of baby’s breath or nube meaning “cloud” symbolize purity and innocence. Often used as a filler in floral arrangements, it softens the intensity of brightly colored blossoms while creating an ethereal effect. It is always found on altars dedicated to children for Día de los Muertos.
Our NYBG Floral Scatter design features a selection of flowers that are most commonly found during Día de los Muertos celebrations. These include marigolds, chrysanthemums, cockscomb, and baby's breath; the original illustrations (dating back to 1614) are housed within the LuEsther T. Mertz Library's Rare Book room.
• Designed in the Bronx; Printed in Rochester, NY
• 100% Cotton (sustainably and fairly grown USA cotton)
• Preshrunk, soft-washed, garment-dyed fabric
In celebrating Día de los Muertos, we are reminded that remembrance is an act of love, and through the beauty of flowers, the spirits of the departed never truly fade. They bloom, again and again, in the hearts of those who remember them.
Marigolds, known in Mexico as cempasúchil, are the flowers most associated with Día de los Muertos celebrations. Their vibrant orange and yellow colors symbolize the sun, warmth, and the light of life. According to ancient Aztec beliefs, the marigold was sacred to Mictecacihuatl, the goddess of death. Their scent is so strong and distinctive that no spirit could ignore it. When scattered, the petals create a colorful, glowing trail helping to guide the spirits of the deceased back to the world of the living.
In Mexico, chrysanthemums symbolize death, respect, and mourning. They are a common sight on graves and altars, representing the dignity of remembrance. Their long lasting, rounded blooms are an ideal choice for the Día de los Muertos celebrations. The white colored ones are a symbol of peace and commonly used in funerals and memorials.
Native to China, chrysanthemums did not appear in Mexico until the nineteenth century. Yellow colored ones are symbols of light and perfectly compliment the marigolds used in the Día de los Muertos celebrations. They are an ideal choice for floral arrangements as they are long lasting.
The cockscomb flower or terciopelo rojo meaning “red velvet”, is easily recognized by its texture and color. It symbolizes blood and sacrifice. The surface folds also resemble a brain, which can represent thought and memory. Seen on an altar for Día de los Muertos, their red coloring provides a carpet effect contrasting the bold yellow and orange colors of marigolds and chrysanthemums celebrating both joy and sorrow.
The delicate white blossoms of baby’s breath or nube meaning “cloud” symbolize purity and innocence. Often used as a filler in floral arrangements, it softens the intensity of brightly colored blossoms while creating an ethereal effect. It is always found on altars dedicated to children for Día de los Muertos.