What are the symbolic meanings of lotus flowers?
An introduction to the symbolic meanings and implications of lotus flowers, as well as the greenery flowers' lore. Keep reading to find out more!
Lotus flowers have been popular since ancient times and were known as the gentlemen among flowers. Zhou Dunyi's famous essay "Ode to the Lotus" describes them as "unpolluted by the mud from which they emerge," regarding them as symbols of purity and nobility. How much do we really know about lotus flowers? Today, the guides at Bihu湾 will introduce the symbolism and implications of lotus flowers.
Symbolic meanings of lotus flowers: Purity, sanctity
The lotus flower has always been revered by Buddhism as a sacred and pure flower, and it strongly advocates learning the purity and sanctity of the lotus. Zhou Dunyi's essay "Ode to the Lotus" describes it as "unpolluted by the mud from which it emerges," regarding it as a symbol of purity and nobility. Additionally, Li Bai's line "Lotus flowers emerging from clear water, naturally without adornment" also indicates the natural beauty of the lotus.
Symbolic meanings of lotus flowers: Auspiciousness
"He" and "Ho" are homophones. In the Buddhist Eight Auspicious Treasures, the lotus is at the forefront. Moreover, in folk auspicious paintings, the "Hehe Immortals" feature one person holding a lotus and the other holding a box, expressing the meaning of "Harmony." In the tale of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, He Xian Gu uses the lotus as a symbol of peace and auspiciousness.
Symbolic meanings of lotus flowers: Integrity
The lotus is also known as Qing Lian, which is a homophone for "integrity." Therefore, the lotus is often used as a metaphor for honest officials who do not conform to evil practices, a symbolism mainly used in officialdom. In many scholars' studies, there is often a painting titled "A Path of Integrity," which is composed of green lotus and white egrets.
Symbolic meanings of lotus flowers: Love
In life, we often hear people say "So-and-so has an unbroken connection with so-and-so," which actually means that there is still a relationship between the two. The symbolism of lotus flowers representing love dates back to the Tang Dynasty. The famous poet Wang Bo wrote in "Lotus Picking Song," "The flowers are twin, and the藕 (lotus root) is connected," which means that the twin lotus and unbroken藕 (lotus root) symbolize the intertwined love between men and women.
Symbolic meanings of lotus flowers: Beauty
As early as in the "Book of Songs," there were sentences comparing the lotus to a beauty. In the "Guofeng Chenwind Zepi," there is such a line: "By the marshes, there are reeds and lotus. There is a beautiful person, how can I bear it? Day and night, I do nothing but weep." The poem describes a man comparing the lotus to a beauty he has long admired and is very sad because he has not seen her for a long time. Whether awake or asleep, his tears and snot flow down like rain.
Symbolic meanings of lotus flowers: Friendship
In ancient China, there was a tradition of breaking梅花 (plum blossoms) to send afar in spring and picking lotus in autumn to miss someone. This shows that the lotus also symbolizes the pure friendship between people.
In fact, every part of the lotus is of great use to people. The lotus root can be eaten, the lotus seed has good nourishing effects, and the藕节 (node of the lotus root) and leaves are good herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. The lotus can be appreciated, and where it grows, it can purify the water and optimize the environment.
The above is a complete introduction to the symbolic meanings of lotus flowers and their implications and lore, for everyone to learn and understand!