Lotus flowers are very important in various cultures and religions throughout the world, especially in Indian and Egyptian cultures. In the most ancient times, millennia BC, lotus flowers signified the virtues of sexual purity.
Purple lotus meaning
“As a lotus flower is born in water, grows in water and rises out of water to stand above it unsoiled, so I, born in the world, raised in the world having overcome the world, live unsoiled by the world” ~ Gautama Buddha ~
However, in many prominent cultures in Indo-Asia, the lotus has different meanings. Often used as an example of divine beauty, the most important god in Indian mythology is often described as the ‘Lotus-Eyed One’ – its unfolding petals signifying the development of the soul. Also, the growth of this beautiful flower from the mud suggests that beautiful things can be born from dirty environments, and sometimes, the most beautiful souls have humble origins – an important theme in Indian mythology.
Most deities of Asian religions are depicted as seated on a lotus flower. For Buddhists, the rise of the lotus from the mud represents the purity of body, speech and mind – rising above the bodily pleasures. However, as time passed, the meaning of the lotus began to shift towards beauty, peace and grace. In Egypt, the lotus is closely associated with the Sun.
Today, lotus flowers should be preserved and observed only in their natural environment, where they belong; sadly though, many people pick them and sell them in markets, especially in India and Asia, so even if you are fascinated by the beauty of the lotus, be it of any colour, please, don’t support these activities.
As for the colour, the purple lotus is considered above all to be mythical and sacred, holding a special place among the flower kingdom.
Facts about purple lotus flowers
Lotus aren’t the typical plants to plant in your home, even if you have a great garden. Lotus flowers are typically planted in the soil of the pond or river bottom, while the leaves float on top of the water surface – you will usually see them rising just a few centimeters above water level.
What’s interesting about them, and not a lot of people know this, is that the flowers, seeds, young leaves and rhizomes are all edible – which doesn’t mean you should go out and eat them; however, in Asia they are used as food wrapping, and sometimes the petals are used as a garnish.
If you ask me, it’s a shame; lotus flowers, the most sacred flowers in the world – should be revered and admired in their natural environment.