Ritual plants and local economies: The use of plants in Todos Santos Celebrations in a Chinantec community of Oaxaca, Mexico

In Mexico, plants hold profound ceremonial significance, reflecting the biocultural relationship between local communities and their environment. This study explores the ritual use, wild harvesting, and socioeconomic value of Dioon spinulosum , Senna spectabilis , and other plant species during the Day of the Dead (Todos Santos) in San José Chiltepec, Oaxaca in the construction of floral arches. Using semi-structured interviews and market observations, nine species were documented in 2024, generating approximately USD $4,683 in local sales. Celosia argentea and D. spinulosum emerged as the most economically valuable. The harvesting activity is predominantly carried out by men, with traditional ecological knowledge transmitted orally within a framework of solidarity and cooperation. Local norms restrict collection to the festive period (October 27-November 5), and management practices integrate both in situ and ex situ strategies, emphasizing techniques that protect renew plant structures. Despite D. spinulosum being classified as endangered in Mexico and listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, its use remains sustainable under community-based governance systems.