Lotus Flower Meaning

This plant's humble origins are what give a lotus flower meaning. Native to Asia and parts of the Middle East, the lotus begins life in the mud, rises up through the water and blooms into the sunlight. This life cycle has been used as a symbol in many religions and cultures.

The Meaning Of Lotus Flower Imagery

From Egypt to Japan and in most countries in between, the lotus flower has held a special place in culture and religion. The fascination with this water-borne beauty even extends into modern culture. Here are some examples of how the lotus resonates through history:

• On the banks of the Nile. The ancient Egyptians saw the lotus as a symbol of the sun and rebirth. Several creation myths invoke lotus imagery, including the birth of the god Ra. Lotus images also appear in temple and vessel decorations, where the lotus is used to symbolize the number 1,000.
• Purely Buddhist. According to Buddhism, the lotus represents purity. Specific lotus colors are related to different types of purity. The red lotus represents the purity of the heart-its compassion and emotion. A white lotus symbolizes spiritual and mental purity. A blue lotus signifies purity of wisdom and of the senses. The pink lotus embodies Buddha, the pinnacle of perfection.
• Rise above. In traditional Chinese art and literature, the lotus is used to represent the struggle for creativity and purity in adverse conditions. The life cycle of the lotus-from pond bottom mud to surface blooming beauty-is meant to instruct and inspire.
• In the Hindu religion. Hinduism equates the lotus with prosperity and enlightenment. Hindu writings and art use the fully bloomed lotus to represent the achievement of these goals after a period of toil and effort.
• Skin deep. Today, the lotus is a popular theme for body art. People who have gone through hardship, but have arrived in a better place often wear lotus flower tattoos as a symbol of rebirth.