Mexico’s Marigold in Diwali Displays

An Indian holiday showcases a flower that, like chili peppers, is a gift from the Americas.

Cropped version of Lakshmi print, dated to 1894. Artist Ravi Varma based this print on a series of oil paintings he did for various patrons, according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Thanks to the Met for posting image, which is in public domain.

The flower associated with the goddess Lakshmi is the lotus, but you’d be forgiven for thinking it was the marigold.

These cheerful flowers often play a key role in celebrations of Diwali, an Indian holiday dedicated to Lakshmi. I offer as examples these official White House photos of its 2022 Diwali celebrations.

Official 2022 Diwali photos from White House Flickr account. Photo by Adam Schultz. U.S. government work

Official 2022 Diwali photo from White House Flickr account. Photo by Cameron Smith. U.S. government work

Honoring Diwali famously involves deep cleaning of homes as well as visiting and exchanging gifts with friends and relatives.

New York City’s public school system last year added Diwali to its official roster of holidays. But students in New York City public schools didn’t get a day off this year for Diwali because the holiday started on Sunday, Nov. 12. That decision is keeping with that school system’s approach to official holidays that fall on weekends.