Symbolism of the Lotus Blossom

The lotus grows in mud and water.

The symbolism of the lotus blossom resonates throughout many cultures, both current and past. Ancient Egyptians idealized the flower and it retains its import today throughout India and Asia and the religions of Buddhism and Hinduism.

Buddhism

In Buddhist teaching, the lotus blossom symbolizes divine birth, purity and spontaneous generation; in essence, the ability to be instantly reborn through a new, divine outlook upon life. Much of this symbolism is derived from the plant's growth pattern; its roots dig into the mud of a body of water, then a beautiful flower is generated from this muddy beginning.

Egyptian

Egyptian artists covered both ritualistic and everyday items with the likeness of the lotus blossom. "The ancient Egyptians revered the lotus as the first flower of spring and a symbol of the earth's beneficence," writes A. Bronwyn Llewellyn and Meera Lester in their book "Blooming Rooms:

Decorating with Flowers and Floral Motifs."

Considerations

Throughout all cultures, the lotus blossom represents purity, beauty and spiritual enlightenment. In both Buddhism and Hinduism, deities are regularly pictured sitting upon or holding a lotus. The flower holds the same sort of symbolism in eastern culture as does the rose in the west, where Christ is known as "The Rose of Sharon."

References

• Buddha Dharma Education Association: The Symbol of the Lotus
• "Blooming Rooms: Decorating With Flowers and Floral Motifs"; A. Bronwyn Llewellyn, Meera Lester; 2004
• Association for Asian Research: The Lotus Flower