Do you know the meaning of the lotus flower? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the lotus flower, including its meaning, usage, origin, and more!
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Kevin
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October 23, 2021
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Common Questions
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What does the lotus flower mean?
The lotus flower carries a lot of significance around the world, particularly in Eastern cultures, according to Petal Republic. These flowers are heavily associated with Buddhism – particularly the pink lotus flowers. They are said to portray Buddha’s earthly symbol. The buds and petals hold different meanings. If the pink lotus has a closed bud, this represents passing through the spiritual path. A fully open pink lotus represents enlightenment. There are two popular species of lotus, the Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and the American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea). The lotus is native to Australia and Southern Asia. The pink lotus is the national flower of India as well as Vietnam.Â
These blooms are associated heavily with goddesses by Hindus practicing Hinduism as well. Here, the lotus flower symbolizes spiritual enlightenment, growth, purity, and birth. Legend has it that Lord Brahma appeared from Lord Vishnu sitting on a lotus plant. Many different Hindu deities are associated with the lotus, including the Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
In Christianity, these flowers represent purity and the creation of the universe. These divine properties of the flower also have associations between sacred flowers and Jesus. Lotuses have the ability to rise from the mud pond for three days before blooming, and their roots can reach up to six feet deep, living for a long time. These all relate to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.Â
In Ancient Egypt, the lotus flower was heavily associated with rebirth of the soul and the sun because they disappear at night and re-emerge fresh in the morning, which also symbolizes creation. These flowers also symbolize death in Ancient Egypt in the Book of the Dead which has spells that transform a person into a lotus flower. The lotus is also present in hieroglyphics in upper and lower Egypt during the time of the Ancient Egyptians.
According to Uniguide, the lotus flower reminds us that we are able to emerge and blossom no matter where we started and sets us on the path of spiritual awakening and enlightenment. To achieve that, one must practice self-awareness, non-attachment, and awakening. Just as the lotus overcomes the suffering in the muddy water, so can we emerge from our sorrows.
Different colors of lotus mean different things. White lotus flowers are one of the most popular colors. These signify beauty, grace, purity of mind, wealth, knowledge, prosperity, fertility, and beauty, and faith and are nicknamed the womb of the world. The yellow lotus flower symbolizes religious beliefs, while the red lotus flower symbolizes compassion, sympathy, selfless love, heart, passion, and generosity. The blue lotus flower is rare and means wisdom, knowledge, the ability to control things over emotions, worldly aspirations, and senses. Purple lotus flowers are also associated with Buddhism and represent self-awakening. Their petals represent an important teaching of Buddha called the Noble Eightfold Path.
The lotus flower is quite easy to grow and care for. The lotus is considered a perennial plant that needs 5 to 6 hours of sunlight per day to grow well. These types of plants thrive in a sunny, warm environment and might have difficulty blooming if there is not a significant light source. The lotus plant must have a water temperature between 75 to 87 degrees, and need multiple weeks of hot weather before flowering. They need very specific water depth. The plant should be submerged in relatively still water, with at least 2 to 4 inches of water above the soil. The lotus should be planted in a deep pot or planter so that it can have ample space for growth. The pot should be 3 to 5 ft in width, especially for cultivars that can grow at least 5 feet. The hole free container should be submerged about 6 to 12 inches below the water’s surface. Do not use potting soil, but rather dense soil or clay soil instead. The lotus plant loves fertilizers, and the best option is aquatic plant fertilizer. Only fertilize your plants in the spring when the standing leaves begin to emerge.
What are other types of perennial flowers?
The lotus is one of many different types of perennial flowers. Perennial flowers are a great choice if you are looking for a plant that will bloom for many years with the proper care. Some of these bloom in spring, while others bloom in summer, fall, or winter. Take a look at these different perennials and decide which is best for your garden. Below are many different types of perennial flowers from Rural Sprout.
- Lupines
- Iberis (Candytuft).
- Centaurea montana (Perennial cornflower)
- Armeria (sea thift, sea pinks).
- Coreopsis
- Rudbeckia
- Rhododendrons
- Japanese Anemones
- Hydrangea
- Helenium
- Phlox
- Irises.
- Fuchsia magellanica
- Spirea
- Oriental Lilies
- Buddleia
- Chrysanthemums
- Oriental poppies
- Nippon Daisy
- Leucanthemum vulgare (Ox-eye daisy/ Shasta daisy)
- Platycodon (Balloon Flower)
- Peonies
- Tulipa (Tulips)
- Dicentra (Bleeding heart)
- Sarcococca
- Alliums
- Winter flowering cherry
- Sumac
- Heathers
- Russian Sage
- Goldenrod
- Salvias
- Sedum
- Hebes
- Daphne
- Peony
- Clematis (various varieties)
- Gypsophila (Baby’s breath).
- Lavender
- Echinacea (Coneflower)
- Helianthus (perennial sunflowers)
- Winter pansies
- Asters
- Euphorbia
- Delosperma cooperi (Ice plant)
- Roses
- Lilac
- Sedums
- Creeping Phlox
- Perennial sunflower
- Eupatorium (Joe Pye Weed)
- Dianthus (pinks).
- Azaleas
Overall, the lotus flower means many different things in different cultures. These beautiful flowers are sacred for many and regarded for different symbolic meanings for each of its varied colors in white, pink, yellow, red, blue, and purple. Try growing your first lotus plant today!
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