Back in Egyptians times, the lotus flower was very important in their religion. Meaning creation and rebirth, it was a symbol of the sun, because at nightfall it closes and goes beneath the water and at dawn it climbs up above the water and reopens. It was the only plant to flower and fruit at the same time, as it would emerge as pure white from the depths of the muddy swamp and grow above the water. One myth that revolves around the lotus is during creation time a giant lotus flower grew out of a pond and from it the sun rose. Also, throughout ancient Egypt the lotus has been pictured in various works of art. It would act as a border to outline a section of artwork, or held in the hands of a god or human. The lotus was also used in their math, helping to count to high decrees. One lotus would act as 1,000 and two lotus as 2,000 and so on.
| Order: | Nymphaeales |
| Family: | Nymphaeaceae |
| Genus: | Nelumbo |
The lotus flower is an aquatic perennial. Sometimes mistaken for the water-lily, the lotus has a distinctively different structure. It also only comes in pink hues or white, whereas the lily comes in many different colors. The roots are implanted in the soil of a river or pond, and the leaves float on the surface. In some research reports, the lotus can control the temperature of itself just like humans and animals can.
Fun Facts
The lotus flower is a very popular tattoo. It is a symbol of awakening to the spiritual reality of life in Hinduism and Buddhism. Though the meaning varies a little between religions, both traditions place importance on it. They are very popular for people who’ve had tough times in their life and are finally coming out of it.
FAQs
For Christianity, the white blossoms of the lotus represent purity and creation, specifically God's creation of the universe. Similar to how the lotus rises from the murky depths of mud, this religion states that God brought creation, light and beauty out of the dark and empty space.
Why is lotus flower so popular? ›
Like poppies in the UK and red roses all over the world, the lotus has a symbolic meaning. While it varies across cultures and countries (more on that in a minute), the general meaning of the lotus flower is purity and strength. For that reason and more, lotus flowers are popular symbols for jewelry and tattoos.
What is the myth of the lotus flower? ›
The lotus arose from the waters on a single mound of dry land. And then, the flower bloomed. When the petals of the lotus flower opened, they opened to reveal the Sun god, Atum, as a child. Other versions of the myth call the sun-god Ra; the two gods identities are merged, as is that of Ra and Amun.
Why are lotus so famous? ›
In Buddhism, the sacred lotus is an important symbol of purity, spiritual awakening, and faithfulness. Statues of Buddha often show him sitting atop an open lotus flower, like the one pictured above. In the land of Buddha, there are many different colors of lotus, and each one holds a different meaning.
What does a lotus flower mean spiritually? ›
Lotuses are associated with the Hindu goddesses Lakshmi and Vishnu. Both are often depicted sitting on a lotus flower throne or holding lotuses in their hands. In Hinduism, the lotus represents spiritual enlightenment, beauty, fertility, purity, prosperity and eternity.
What is the secret meaning of the lotus flower? ›
The Lotus is a plant that belongs to the Nelumbo genus, and it has been connected with purity, rebirth and divinity. The lotus flower symbolizes rising from a dark place into beauty and rebirth, as this is precisely how a lotus flower grows.
What is the prophetic meaning of the lotus flower? ›
The lotus flower symbolizes spiritual enlightenment, purity, self-regeneration, and rebirth. Its emergence from murky waters into beauty and glory has been seen as a metaphor for human life, in which difficult times can be overcome with resilience and dedication.
What God was born from a lotus flower? ›
664–30 B.C. The god Nefertum was born out of a lotus flower on the mound of creation; thus he was closely connected with the sun, creation, and with the lotus, but also, more broadly, sweet-smelling, pleasant things.
What does lotus symbolize in love? ›
Lotus flowers with white or pink petals symbolize purity and devotion—two factors that help build a lifelong bond with your partner. Lotus motifs are a beautiful and meaningful addition to an engagement ring or wedding ring.
What are 5 facts about lotus? ›
Lotus is frequently pictured as the throne of Gods and is frequently used in worship and religious rituals. It has air gaps in its long stems, and rhizomes perform the roles of roots. Lotus has a metaphorical meaning that includes divinity, fertility, riches, knowledge, and enlightenment.
In general, however, the lotus commonly serves as a sacred for purity, rebirth, and strength. Because lotuses rise from the mud without stains, they are often viewed as a symbol of purity.
What religion is the lotus flower? ›
The lotus, Nelumbo nucifera, is an aquatic plant that plays a central role in the art of Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. In Asian art, a lotus throne is a stylized lotus flower used as the seat or base for a figure.
