Monday, May 16, 2011

LOTUS FLOWERS




The lotus is rooted in deep mud and its stem grows through murky water. But the blossom rises above the muck and opens in the sun, beautiful and fragrant. In Buddhism, the lotus represents the true nature of beings.
 In ponds and stretches of still water all over the country, lotus flowers bloom pink and white. They often grow naturally, but where there are no lotus, Khmers will plant them.
The pink ones (and not the white) will go eventually to seed, becoming the green pad that can be seen being hawked all over the country. The seeds are popped out one by one, peeled and the sweet flesh eaten. 


- Lotus represents purity. It has a delicate perfume and a beautiful shape so people use the flower for religious and dedication purposes.
- Lotus represent everything we wish to express and become as good Buddhists.
- Lotus is the symbol of learning and cognitive thought.

 In Buddhism, lotus flowers mean purity of speech, mind and body rising above the waters of desire and attachment. The lotus is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols. Different colors of lotus are symbolically used to represent aspects of perfection. There are four colors, which are pink, blue, red and white. Red represents the heart--its purity, original nature, compassion, passion, love and other qualities. White symbolizes spiritual perfection and complete mental purity. Pink represents the Buddha and is the supreme lotus. Blue means wisdom, knowledge and victory over the senses.

Some types of Lotus

 
Scientific Name
Common Name
Colour of Blossom
Nelumbium ‘Alba Grandiflora’
White
Nelumbium ‘Angel Wings’
White
Nelumbium ‘Baby Doll’
White
Nelumbium ‘Carolina Queen’
Pink
Nelumbium ‘Charles Thomas’
Lavender
Nelumbium Lutea
Yellow
Nelumbium Momo Botan
Deep rosey pink
Nelumbium ‘Mrs Perry D Slocum’
Changeable bicolour
Nelumbium  Nucifera
Rose pink
Nelumbium Nucifera ‘Alba Plena’
Cream white
Nelumbium Nucifera ‘Pekinensis Rubra’
Carmine Red
Nelumbium Nucifera ‘Perry’s Giant Sunburst’
White, Yellow
Nelumbium Nucifera ‘Shirokunshi’
White
Nelumbium Nucifera var. rosea
Rose pink with yellow center
Nelumbium Roseum Plena
Deep rosey pink, yellow wing

 Large pink lotus and large white lotus are common in Cambodia