The Lotus Flower: History and Meaning

The Lotus and the sun form such a perfect symbol of love. Deep is the muddy water of still ponds and lakes, the deeply anchored root stretches triumphantly toward the surface. Perched at the top is the beautiful bud, a magnificent blossom, that will allow itself to unfold slowly, one petal at a time as the sun teases it in early morning.

The mud the root itself anchors in represents the material life. Those things that dirty our vision of the true gifts in life. The filth that we are fascinated with and the disgusting desire is like the mud that anchors us all down in life. The long stalk that stretches through the water to the surface represents the astral world. It is the backbone for those who seek more. For those who reach higher. It proves there is hope and something bigger in life to strive for. The plant settled at the top is the spiritual being. The One above us all. The sign of eternity and love.
The crown chakra is the energy center at the top of the head. In many traditions like Buddhist and Egyptian it is the symbol of enlightenment and the petals are likened to the rays of the sun. It bears the meaning of final revelation and a transformation of the material world into Paradise.
The essence of the Lotus has many uses according to www.anandaapothecary.com. It can be used to correct emotional imbalances by allowing a slow and gentle release of emotions. Some believe that emotions kept bottles up can cause stress on the body like headaches, backaches and other illness. A calming emotional release can quicken recovery. When paired with meditation, the Lotus essence can calm the mind and improve concentration. Because of this, many believe it can assist in spiritual growth by balancing, cleansing and strengthening the aura.
Aside from all the traditional beliefs surrounding the Lotus it also has a very unique botanical history. It is an Asian water lily that bears delicate water flowers. It is specifically known to have a very abundant seedpod which can spread seeds a very far distance, bringing the beauty of the Lotus blossoms far and wide. Some seeds, like those of the Indian Lotus, can germinate for up to 200 years before budding. The record however, is 1300 years. The Lotuses actually consist of 5 different species of water lilies. The differences in the flowers can be very drastic ranging in color, day blooming versus night blooming and even length and type of stalk as stated at www.plantcultures.org.
The symbolism of the Lotus can be seen throughout history and in many different cultures. In ancient Egypt the Lotus is a part of their creation story. The main theme of Egyptian religion was rebirth and eternal life. Because the Lotus opens every morning and closes each night, the Egyptians believed it to be a sacred comparison. The Egyptian sun god Ra created himself amongst chaos and emerged from the petals of the Lotus. Ra would return to the Lotus each night to be enfolded in the flower once again according to www.touregypt.net.

Regardless of what belief system you come from, the Lotus carries many significant meanings and symbols. To some it is a religion and a flower that bore their divine beings. To others the symbology is what is important. The symbol of purity, faithfulness, enlightenment or even a reminder of the miracle of beauty. It is the only plant that can fruit and flower at the same time. But wether you believe in it or just think it is a pretty flower there is something to be said for the preciousness and delicacy that has captivated so many lives. It is a true miracle of nature.The Lotus and the sun form such a perfect symbol of love. Deep is the muddy water of still ponds and lakes, the deeply anchored root stretches triumphantly toward the surface. Perched at the top is the beautiful bud, a magnificent blossom, that will allow itself to unfold slowly, one petal at a time as the sun teases it in early morning.
The mud the root itself anchors in represents the material life. Those things that dirty our vision of the true gifts in life. The filth that we are fascinated with and the disgusting desire is like the mud that anchors us all down in life. The long stalk that stretches through the water to the surface represents the astral world. It is the backbone for those who seek more. For those who reach higher. It proves there is hope and something bigger in life to strive for. The plant settled at the top is the spiritual being. The One above us all. The sign of eternity and love.
The crown chakra is the energy center at the top of the head. In many traditions like Buddhist and Egyptian it is the symbol of enlightenment and the petals are likened to the rays of the sun. It bears the meaning of final revelation and a transformation of the material world into Paradise.
The essence of the Lotus has many uses according to www.anandaapothecary.com. It can be used to correct emotional imbalances by allowing a slow and gentle release of emotions. Some believe that emotions kept bottles up can cause stress on the body like headaches, backaches and other illness. A calming emotional release can quicken recovery. When paired with meditation, the Lotus essence can calm the mind and improve concentration. Because of this, many believe it can assist in spiritual growth by balancing, cleansing and strengthening the aura.
Aside from all the traditional beliefs surrounding the Lotus it also has a very unique botanical history. It is an Asian water lily that bears delicate water flowers. It is specifically known to have a very abundant seedpod which can spread seeds a very far distance, bringing the beauty of the Lotus blossoms far and wide. Some seeds, like those of the Indian Lotus, can germinate for up to 200 years before budding. The record however, is 1300 years. The Lotuses actually consist of 5 different species of water lilies. The differences in the flowers can be very drastic ranging in color, day blooming versus night blooming and even length and type of stalk as stated at www.plantcultures.org.
The symbolism of the Lotus can be seen throughout history and in many different cultures. In ancient Egypt the Lotus is a part of their creation story. The main theme of Egyptian religion was rebirth and eternal life. Because the Lotus opens every morning and closes each night, the Egyptians believed it to be a sacred comparison. The Egyptian sun god Ra created himself amongst chaos and emerged from the petals of the Lotus. Ra would return to the Lotus each night to be enfolded in the flower once again according to www.touregypt.net.
Regardless of what belief system you come from, the Lotus carries many significant meanings and symbols. To some it is a religion and a flower that bore their divine beings. To others the symbology is what is important. The symbol of purity, faithfulness, enlightenment or even a reminder of the miracle of beauty. It is the only plant that can fruit and flower at the same time. But wether you believe in it or just think it is a pretty flower there is something to be said for the preciousness and delicacy that has captivated so many lives. It is a true miracle of nature.