Lotus flower: symbolism and meaning of the flower of rebirth
It is one of the most popular aquatic plants and flowers that binds different cultures from all over the world. The lotus flower never ceases to fascinate with its rich symbolism and the various meanings it assumes according to the philosophies and cults that see it as the protagonist. It is part of the floral family called Nelumbo. This genus has only two species, that Nelumbo lutea and Nelumbo lucifera. The first sees white flowers inside and is also native to North America, while the second has pink flowers and grows mainly in Asia. However, it is natural to wonder why the lotus flower, in addition to its beauty and unmistakable scent, is so loved and why it is increasingly chosen as a design for tattoos.
Meanings and general symbology of the lotus flower
Although this flower is famous in many cultures, not only in the oriental ones, most of its meanings derive from the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians and from Buddhism. Normally considered as a real religion, Buddhism is actually defined as "a philosophy of life" that has made this plant one of its symbols par excellence.
First of all, the lotus flower has meant a spiritual development and an inner growth to then become the symbol of the detachment from the material world in the name of purity. This characterization derives from the conformation of the aquatic plant itself. In fact, it grows in swamps. , in the mud and in the stagnant waters. Its roots sink in the dirt, in the "filth" of the Earth. However, the flower is not affected by this landscape and these lowest natural elements. The lotus flower blossoms and shows its beauty without contaminations. Its petals and leaves are able to keep themselves clean because they are hydrophobic, that is, they are able to retain water molecules but expel external particles.
All these peculiarities have made the lotus flower a sacred synonym of spiritual elevation and the ability to know how to deal with the earthly difficulties represented by the mud where the plant lives. Furthermore, in some cultures it is associated with the theme of the resurrection due to its ability to regenerate. In fact, this aquatic plant can produce seeds even after several hundred years. It is therefore not surprising that the Egyptian pharaohs were represented close to a lotus flower.
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Moreover, given its particular conformation and characteristic life cycle, the lotus flower is very often approached to female symbolism and formology. When the flower blooms, it takes on a shape that recalls the female womb, source and place of birth and life. For this reason, it happens frequently to find this floral species as a symbol of fertility, fecundity and elegance, all qualities attributed to women. No wonder that according to Buddhism, Buddha was born from a lotus flower.
The lotus flower in various cultures
As already mentioned, these species of aquatic plants in Buddhist symbolism represent not only the purity of the mind and soul, but also of the body and soul. This means that a human being can approach this flower only if he is able to completely detach himself from carnal desires and rise spiritually.
In Hinduism, in addition to re-emphasizing the Buddhist meanings, it highlights above all the feminine symbology of the lotus flower, making it the sacred symbol of birth and resurrection. Not surprisingly, all Hindu female deities are represented seated (recalling the act of birth) on this floral species.
Moving to the West, it turns out that the lotus flower was also known here since ancient times. In Greek mythology, there was a people on a North African island that ate this flower which, if ingested, causes drowsiness and amnesia. It is found in the "Odyssey, when Ulysses sends three men to seek information on this population, but they forget the way back to the ship after eating this aquatic plant. Once found, the protagonist of the poem is forced, however, to tie them aboard the ship because the three men rebel and want to return to the island. All this demonstrates how the amnesia attributable to the lotus flower is something that, in reality , many would like: the ability to forget the past, to start over and, therefore, to be reborn.
The meaning of the lotus flower based on color
The most famous lotus flowers are white or pink. However, there are many other colors, which vary their meaning.
- White: indicates the spiritual purity, of the mind but also that of the body.
- Rosa: the best known, it represents the deities, especially in Buddhism in which it represents Buddha.
- Red: a sign of passion but also of compassion, this flower represents all the qualities of the heart.
- Purple: this color has always been close to mystery and spirituality. Again, the purple lotus flower is considered the symbol of meditation and asceticism.
- Light blue or blue: indicates the victory of spirituality over passions and earthly attachment. Furthermore, it takes on the meaning of wisdom and intelligence.
The lotus flower as a tattoo
In general, flowers are among the favorite subjects for those who choose to get a tattoo. Among the most common are the rose, the lily, the sunflower and even the lotus flower. Obviously, when you think about a design to get tattooed, you reflect on the meaning it can have and which can vary from person to person. In addition to all the meanings already seen previously, from inner and spiritual growth to purity and rebirth, the lotus flower in the field of tattoos can become the symbol of other concepts or personal experiences. For example, in the world of tattoo, this flower indicates the end of a love that, despite the initial pain and disappointment, we managed to overcome in order to regain happiness. Just as the flower of them manages not to be contaminated by stagnant water and mud, so that person knew how not to let himself be disheartened by the difficulties of life.
