Women Farmers in Mexico Cultivate Marigolds, Defying Gender Norms

Women Farmers Cultivating Marigolds

• 🌸 In Doxy, Mexico, Genoveva Perez Falcon and her daughters are harvesting marigolds, also known as 'cempasúchil' or 'sasuchil', for the Day of the Dead festivities.
• 🎯 This family is part of a small group of women farmers challenging traditional gender roles and environmental difficulties in the region.

Preserving Native Seeds and Traditions

• 💡 Genoveva recounts a time when farming was exclusively a male domain, stating, "Why not me? I can do it, too." This highlights her determination to succeed in agriculture.
• 🧬 Her daughters, Erica and Mgalli, are dedicated to cultivating the original 'sasuchil' seeds, prioritizing the preservation of native Mexican varieties over imported ones to prevent their extinction, similar to what has happened with corn.
• 🌱 The women farmers consciously avoid using pesticides, opting instead to remove weeds manually to protect the soil and vital pollinators.

Livelihood, Legacy, and Cultural Significance

• 💰 For Genoveva, the marigold harvest represents both a crucial source of income for her family and a lasting legacy.
• 🤝 The harvest also creates employment opportunities for others in the community, a fact that brings her pride.
• 🕯️ In Mexico City, these iconic orange flowers are delivered to markets and homes, playing a significant role in decorating altars for the Day of the Dead, symbolizing the return of spirits.
• 💬 Danny Navaro explains that the 'sasuchil' is symbolic, representing everything about the season of the dead, from its color and scent to its role in creating a beautiful and meaningful space for departed loved ones.