The Lotus Flower: Symbolism and Meaning
It is also known as the Sacred Lotus, Indian Lotus, or Rose of the Nile. Enigmatic, sacred, and inspiring, the lotus flower carries deep symbolic meaning.
The editorial team at Sessile.fr reveals the spiritual meaning of this exquisite aquatic flower.
The Symbolism and Meaning of the Lotus Flower Across Cultures
A sacred flower in China and India, the lotus flower carries different symbolic meanings depending on the culture and the color of its petals.
As it returns each evening to murky waters and opens its delicate petals at dawn, the lotus flower is a symbol of strength, resilience, and rebirth. And because this immaculate flower emerges from muddy water, it is the ultimate symbol of purity.
The lotus flower also symbolizes transcendence: the lotus represents the human spirit’s rise above material concerns, as it emerges from the underworld toward the light.
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The lotus appears in sacred texts and spiritual imagery ranging from ancient Egypt to certain early Buddhist texts. It is therefore not surprising that the lotus flower often symbolizes the divine.
Hinduism, in particular, attaches great significance to the lotus flower. The lotus is mentioned in Vedic texts dating back to 1400 B.C.! Several Hindu deities are frequently depicted with lotus flowers —or are associated in one way or another with the lotus flower.
As India’s national flower, the lotus has long served as a symbol in the country’s arts, culture, philosophy, and religions.
The Meaning of the Lotus Flower Based on Its Color
The lotus flower is said to have certain mystical or spiritual meanings, but the meaning of the lotus flower varies greatly depending on the color of its petals.
That is why we will explore the meaning of the lotus flower depending on whether it features blue, white, or red pigmentation, among other factors.
The Meaning of the Blue Lotus Flower
The blue lotus symbolizes the triumph of the spirit over the senses, representing wisdom and knowledge. This flower never reveals its center, as it is almost always completely closed.
The Meaning of the White Lotus Flower
The white lotus is associated with the perfection of the spirit and the mind, a state of total purity, and an immaculate nature. It is usually depicted with eight petals.
The Meaning of the Red Lotus Flower
The red lotus symbolizes innocence and the original nature of the heart. This flower represents qualities such as love, passion, and compassion. It is also known as the flower of the Buddha of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara.
The Meaning of the Pink Lotus Flower
Often confused with the white lotus, the pink lotus is associated with divine figures, such as the Great Buddha.
Sessile.fr's Review of the Lotus Flower
Although the lotus flower is native to Asia, your florist can confirm that it’s entirely possible to enjoy its beauty here in Europe. In fact, the lotus thrives with three months of summer heat (25 to 30°C) and tolerates cold winters well, making it suitable for cultivation in France.
If you want to enjoy lotus flowers in a pond, bury half of the rhizome in a container filled with potting mix, leaving the budding part above the soil. After adding fertilizer, cover it with pozzolan before placing it in the sunniest part of the pond. Wait a few weeks… and finally enjoy the beauty of this sacred Asian flower.
Some dwarf varieties of lotus thrive on a balcony or patio. Plant the rhizome in a pot half-filled with potting mix, leaving the shoot exposed. Cover it with pozzolan, water gently, then place the pot on a flat surface in direct sunlight. Fill the pot with water up to the surface once the first leaves appear, and apply fertilizer.
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