The pericón (Tagetes lucida Cav.) of the Asteraceae family, also known as Mexican tarragon, grows naturally in the foothills of the mountains around Teotitlán del Valle, where it is used to make a beautiful and vibrant yellow dye. Also called Santa María and Yerbanís comes from the Nahuatl word “Yiauhtli” which means 'weed of the clouds'. Medicinal and religious properties are attributed to this plant native to Mexico and Guatemala.
 
According to the Digital Library of Traditional Mexican Medicine, both its flowers and its stems can be used, which resemble cempasúchil, has a smell and taste very similar to anise, which is why it is also called 'anisillo'.
 
Since ancient times, it has been used in rituals - among others, a cross made of pericón flowers is placed at midnight on September 28th to mark dawn on September 29th. This is a Catholic tradition; it alludes to the pitched battle that San Miguel waged when facing the Devil. This is a popular legend that narrates the escape from evil on the eve of the feast of this archangel.
 
In accordance with tradition, on the night of September 28th, the pericón flower crosses (which smell of anise) are placed on doors, windows, in the four corners of the fields, in shops, in vehicles and at the crossroads. With the intention of preventing the devil from entering and causing no harm.
Also, the pericón is a plant formerly associated with the cult of Tlaloc. The magical-religious importance of the Yauhtli is not only because it is an indigenous heritage, but also because it is essentially a Mexican heritage that is still used for ritual and healing purposes.
 
It is relevant to note that the offerings discovered in the 'Templo Mayor' - (Great Temple) dedicated to Tlaloc had remains of yauhtli. The plant was used as incense and as an offering flower in the festivities dedicated to the God of rain.