What Does the Lotus Flower Symbolize, Exactly? Experts Reveal Its Significance
Lotus flower.
The sacred lotus flower is an aquatic perennial plant that typically blooms vibrant petals of pink and white shades. It is one of the most beautiful plants to look at, but the lotus flower thrives in some not-so-beautiful conditions. Lotus flowers live in murky ponds and other muddy bodies of water (not to be confused with the similar-looking water lily).
Revered across many cultures and cherished for millennia, the lotus flower stands as a testament to the profound connections between nature, spirituality and human existence. Its timeless allure has captivated the human mind and eyes for centuries.
To fully understand the impact and rich history behind the lotus flower, Parade spoke with two expert herbalists on the subject. Found across the regions of East Africa, India, Southeast Asia and Australia, there is much to be learned about the lotus flower and why it has maintained such a symbol across varying cultures.
The History of the Lotus Flower
To say that lotus flowers have been around for a long time would be a great understatement. Evidence of lotus flowers traces all the way back to the Ice Age. Lotus flowers survived to tell the tale and integrated themselves into ecosystems across many different parts of the world. Depictions of the lotus flower can be seen in ancient art, statues, scriptures and more.
Carmen Adams, RH (AHG), CHN, herbalist, holistic nutritionist and the founder of the Innergy Med Group, explains, "The historical significance of the lotus flower can be seen in Egyptian art, classical architecture and even the Assyrian sacred tree. Since ancient times, this sacred plant has been revered for symbolizing fertility, rebirth, sexuality and even the rising sun."
Lotus Flower Symbolism Across Cultures
Across different cultures, religions and parts of the world, the lotus flower upholds different symbolic meanings. Meghan Gemma, primary instructor at Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine, has shared the symbolic iterations of the lotus flower across cultures.
"The sacred lotus of India is the best-known of the lotus species and symbolizes purity, spiritual enlightenment, beauty and rebirth throughout Asia," Gemma tells Parade.
She continues, "The way the lotus grows is a metaphor for transcendence: its roots anchor in the mud while the stunning flowers emerge fresh and clean to sway above the surface of the water."
The lotus flower holds high spiritual significance across Hinduism, Buddhism and different Asian cultures alike. In China, for example, the lotus symbolizes associated with purity, grace and beauty. It is often depicted in traditional Chinese art, literature and folklore.
At night, the lotus flower closes beneath the water's surface. When the sun comes out, it appears above the water and reopens. Dating back to ancient Egypt, the lotus flower was associated with the sun and rebirth—specifically because of this. It often appeared in Egyptian art and was used as a symbol of purity and resurrection.
"The American lotus—Nelumbo lutea—has long been revered by native peoples of North America as a mystical herb, symbol of purity and essential food plant," Gemma shares.
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Lotus Flower Meaning in Religion and Spirituality
As mentioned before, the lotus flower is a spiritually significant symbol across Hinduism, Buddhism and some practices of ancient Egyptian religions.
In Hinduism, the lotus flower is associated with several deities and concepts, representing purity, spiritual enlightenment and beauty. For example, Brahma, the creator god, is often depicted sitting on a lotus emerging from the navel of Lord Vishnu—symbolizing the birth of the universe.
Buddha, on the other hand, is often depicted sitting or standing on a lotus flower, symbolizing his purity, enlightenment and transcendence over the suffering of the world.
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Meaning Behind Different Lotus Flower Colors
Most folks are familiar with the beautiful pink and white shaded petals of lotus flowers. While most lotus flowers do bloom these colors, they can also bloom petals of purple, pink or yellow.
It's important to understand that lotuses are in the Nelumbo genus, which includes just two species: Nelumbo nucifera (AKA the sacred lotus or Indian lotus) and Nelumbo lutea (American lotus).
Gemma tells Parade, "The two species are botanically similar and, to the casual eye, have typically been distinguished by the color of their blooms."
"Nelumbo nucifera classically bears vivid pink flowers and is native throughout Asia, where it's treasured as an important medicinal and edible plant," Gemma continues. "Nelumbo lutea bears yellow blossoms and is native to North America and the Caribbean. Lotus lovers around the world have hybridized these species so you can now find lotus in a variety of hues—blue, pink, purple, white, yellow and even red."
But what is the meaning behind different lotus flower colors? The classic pink is connected to enlightenment and white symbolizes purity. Blue lotus flowers symbolize rebirth and creation, whereas purple lotus flowers symbolize inner balance.
The rare red lotus flower symbolizes passion, and the yellow lotus flower is associated with spiritual development.
How To Respect the Lotus Flower
Any spiritual or sacred symbol deserves the utmost respect, and this is no different when it comes to the lotus flower. Respect the sacred lotus by integrating the flower and its symbolic meaning into your daily life.
If you're creative, draw or paint the lotus flower for your next piece. If you're not so creative, keep images of the lotus flower in your home! Many people in South Asia keep photos, paintings and drawings of lotuses with iterations referring to the gods, Buddhas and Jinas.
Got a green thumb? Try your hand at planting a lotus flower to brighten up the place. You can also respect the lotus flower by sitting in the lotus pose, or Padmasana. This is a deep hip-opening stretch known to calm the mind and body.
How To Use the Lotus Flower
Although spiritually symbolic, lotus is prominent in the herbal pharmacopeias of Chinese, Indian, Ayurvedic and Native American medicine, as well as a staple food and medicinal herb.
Adams tells Parade, "Many herbalists teach about the aphrodisiac-like effects for sexual wellness, sedative for calming the mind and body, and as an aid in meditative practices and lucid dreaming."
"Personally, I have benefitted from the lotus acting as an astringent, which has aided clients with diarrhea and the emollient or soothing property seems to soothe sore throats. The bioactive constituents of lotus are mainly alkaloids and flavonoids," Adams says regarding her personal and client experiences utilizing the lotus.
Did you know that the roots, shoots, leaves and seeds of the lotus are all edible? Gemma explains exactly how to prepare them: "The leaves can be prepared much like spinach, while the young seeds can be roasted similarly to chestnuts or cooked like peas."
Gemma continues: "Older seeds are often ground into flour for baking. The roots are sweet and starchy, like sweet potatoes, and can be eaten fresh or cooked!"
If interested in learning to cook more with lotus, she suggests checking out this article by Green Deane of Eat the Weeds.
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