The production of this item has been hit hard by higher costs, but a return to public celebrations is expected to offer a boost to sales.

Answer: Marigolds, called cempasúchil in Mexico, are also known as the "flower of the dead"

Questions:

• Do you have any items that you purchase to celebrate a family tradition or holiday? Why are those important to you?
• How might an increase in marigold sales benefit growers after a higher cost season of growing the product?
• Marigolds have increased in price due to the higher cost of growing in recent seasons. What other items have increased in price due to higher production costs?

Here are the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day that you can use in your classroom.

Behind the numbers (Reuters):

"Marigolds, called cempasúchil in Mexico, are known as the "flower of the dead" and their scent is believed to attract the souls of the dead back into the land of the living.

In the flower-producing district of Xochimilco in Mexico City, workers have been transporting the bright orange flowers through canals to flower markets, where they are snapped up by families to decorate houses and Day of the Dead altars.

"We have always planted marigolds from the time of our ancestors," said local flower grower Cristobal Garcia. "It is said that the color and the aroma make our dead visit us."

Like many other industries, marigold growers have been hit hard by higher costs - including a jump in the price of fertilizer. But a return to public celebrations after two years of pandemic restrictions is expected to offer a boost to sales."

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For more information about the importance of marigolds for Día de los Muertos, read this NPR article!

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About the Author

Ryan Wood

Ryan is the Partnerships and Adoption Manager for Next Gen Personal Finance’s midwest region. He brings his experience as a former teacher, curriculum designer, and sales and marketing professional to state organizations and school districts in supporting the implementation of their personal financial education efforts. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and earned his teaching credential from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. He proudly taught at two rural high schools in Wisconsin before transitioning to curriculum design at NGPF, and is now excited to be on the front lines in delivering the best possible financial education in the midwest. He and his wife have three beautiful daughters, each of which inspire him to share the impact of being sound financial stewards both at home and as lifelong learners.

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