Golden Petals and Sweet Smiles: Symbols of Remembrance
Every autumn, homes across Mexico and around the world burst into color for Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Celebrated on November first and second, this holiday is not a sad occasion. Instead, it is a joyful reunion where families remember and honor relatives who have passed away. Central to this celebration is the ofrenda, a special altar decorated with photographs, favorite foods, and candles. Among the many items placed on these altars, two stand out for their bright beauty and deep meaning: the golden marigold flower, known as cempasúchil, and intricately decorated sugar skulls.
The bright orange and yellow marigold has a long history that dates back thousands of years to the Aztec civilization. In the ancient Nahuatl language, the flower was called cempohualxochitl, which translates to "twenty flowers" because of its many tight, overlapping petals. The Aztecs believed the flower held the warmth and light of the sun god. Today, families scatter fresh marigold petals in long trails leading from doorways straight to the altars. People believe that the flower's brilliant color catches the eyes of wandering spirits, while its strong, musky scent helps guide them safely back home to visit their living relatives.
- reunion:
- A gathering of people who have been apart for a period of time.
- altar:
- A raised structure or table used for religious ceremonies or special offerings.
- civilization:
- An organized human society with its own culture, government, and way of life.
- artisans:
- Skilled workers who make things by hand with artistic skill.
- vibrant:
- Bright, colorful, and full of lively energy.
- aromatic:
- Having a strong, pleasant, or distinctive smell.
- indigenous:
- Originating or occurring naturally in a particular region; native.
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Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Fact & Opinion
Distinguish verifiable statements from judgments, beliefs, and preferences in context.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is the central purpose of Día de los Muertos according to the passage?
- 2Why did the ancient Aztecs refer to the marigold as cempohualxochitl?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Golden Petals and Sweet Smiles: Symbols of Remembrance” is a explanatory article reading passage about Day of the Dead symbols, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (413 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.