In many different cultures, all over the world, the lotus flower holds a different meaning. From the ancient Egyptians, to the Buddhist and Hinduists, the lotus flower holds much significance. These three major areas of the world view the lotus with the highest respect. It is seen as a sacred plant. Connected to Beauty, prosperity, and even fertility.
The lotus is treated as a sign of or from the Gods. There are four specific lotus flowers that are symbolized; the pink lotus, the blue lotus, the white lotus and the red one. What the lotus is mainly related to is the spirituality of a person. In all cultures, the lotus symbolizes some form of spiritual awakening. It is connected to purity, divinity, and rebirth. There are many other meanings to the lotus flower.
In Buddhism Culture
In the Buddhist culture, the lotus flower is related to purity of the mind, body, and voice. Depending on the color of the lotus, it will symbolize different things. The blue lotus symbolizes victory of the spirit, being able to see past one’s self and gain a deeper meaning of life as a whole. In Buddhism this is seen as being able to bloom and be freed, just like a lotus that blossoms from the mud and blooms into such a beautiful flower. The pink lotus is considered sacred because of its connection to the Buddha himself. The Buddha believes he is just like the lotus, emerging from the world and blossoming into something beautiful despite the fact that it grows in muddy ponds. Many kings, and gods are associated with the pink lotus. The red lotus is related to love and compassion.
In Hinduism Culture
The Hindu culture associates the lotus with beauty, creation, and spiritual awakening. In Hindu culture, all of the gods and goddesses are connected to the pink lotus. It is considered the most divine and is only bestowed upon those held in high esteem. The pink lotus is so sacred because of its major role in creation. The Hindu people associate the pink lotus with life itself and all that comes with it. The Hindu believe that inside every human being lies the spirit of the lotus, just like the Hindu God, Vishnu. Secluded inside the pink lotus he blossomed and where his belly button lies, in place, was a pink lotus. The pink lotus is known to only grow in India and China, which is partial the reason for its symbolic significance in their cultures.
In Egyptian Culture
The Egyptians believed that the blue lotus was a sign of rebirth and a symbol of the sun. In many of the ancient paintings, and carved statues, the blue lotus can be found. The blue lotus is a native plant that grows by the Nile as well as the white lotus. The pink lotus however, is foreign and unknown to this part of the world because it isn’t grown there. For each culture,the colors of the lotus represent different meanings and stages of ones life journey.
Here the blue lotus is highly favored. Many of these flowers can be seen being use as decorations in homes. In ancient Egypt, they were used in drinks as ailments for sickness. Throughout history and time, the lotus remains in the picture. It still holds value to the people of modern day age, to see a lotus flower is rare, and their beauty is still just as captivating, making all the cultural stories believable when graced with it’s presence.