The Lotus flower symbolises purity, beauty, grace, wealth, knowledge and serenity. The Pink Lotus is the National Flower of India. Nelumbo nucifera is known by a number of common names including Sacred lotus, Indian lotus and Sacred water-lily.
The history and symbolism of the lotus flower dates back thousands of years.In Buddhist symbolism the lotus is symbolic of purity of the body, speech, and mind as while rooted in the mud, its flowers blossom on long stalks as if floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. It is also symbolic of detachment as drops of water easily slide off its petals. What makes the lotus flower so special? The lotus flower is one of the most ancient and deepest symbols of our planet. The lotus flower grows in muddy water and rises above the surface to bloom with remarkable beauty.
Untouched by the impurity, lotus symbolises the purity of heart and mind. The flower is thought to reassure happiness and friendship. The Lotus flower basically symbolises the clarity of heart as well as the mind. In other words the Lotus flower represents strength, good luck, long life as well as honour and respect. Some scholars have even talked of the lotus flower being a universal representation of the spiritual presence in human lives.
Lotuses are in white and pink colours in common and they grow in shallow and murky waters. Lotus flowers enjoy warm sunlight and are intolerant to cold weather. This is why the Lotus is not seen blossoming in the winter. The floating leaves and Lotus flowers have long stems, which contain air spaces to maintain the buoyancy. The plant has its roots in the mud and sends out long stems to which their leaves are attached. The roots of the Lotus are planted in the soil of the pond or river bottom, while the leaves float on top of the water surface. The Lotus flowers are usually found on thick stems rising several centimetres above the water.
When the Lotus flower’s petals drop down , they are replaced by a flat-topped seed pod divided into compartments. Anybody who has ever observed a lotus flower emerging from a murky pond cannot fail to see the beauty of this exquisite plant.
The flower always looks very clean and beautiful against the background of the dirty pond.
As a lotus is able to emerge from Muddy Waters non spoilt and pure it is considered to represent a wise and spiritually enlightened quality in a person.
