Spring Flowers: Lotus Flower Meaning
Scientific Classification & Quick Facts
| Common name | Sacred lotus |
| Scientific name | Nelumbo nucifera |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Proteales |
| Family | Nelumbonaceae |
| Genus | Nelumbo |
| Type | Aquatic perennial |
| Habitat | Ponds and rivers, roots in the mud |
| Native range | Tropical Asia and Queensland, Australia |
| Colours | White or pink flowers |
| Special feature | Seeds can sprout after over 1,000 years |
Nelumbo nucifera, generally known as the lotus is also commonly called as sacred lotus, Indian lotus, bean lotus or just lotus. It is one of the two living species of aquatic plants in the family Nelumbonaceae. The recently accepted name for this variety is Nelumbo nucifera (Gaertn) and they have grouped it among the wild Nelumbium Speciosum and Nymphaea Nelumbo.), The only name used in the present times is Nelumbo Nucifera (Gaertn). All the other names with the same meaning are not used now. These plants are aquatic throughout the year. Under suitable conditions the lotus seeds last for years. As per records, a dried lake-bed in the North eastern part of China yielded a lotus, generated from a 1300 year old seed. Considering Lotus to a water-lily (Nymphaea), is a false notion; it is totally a different plant. When you look at the center of the flower, the perceptible round pod of the seed you see in the lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera), is absent in the water-lily.
People often prefer water gardens to grow Lotus. Its original habitat is Australia, Queensland and Tropics of Asia. Besides, Lotus is Vietnam’s and India’s national flower.
The lotus roots are planted in the soil below the river or pond, and its leaves float above the water surface. Normally we see the flowers on the thick stem, up many centimeters above the leaves.
All over India in particular, the lotus flowers have a bondage with several Asian religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, with symbolic attachments. The significance between the two religions is diverse, still the traditions in both religions give importance to the lotus flower symbolism since it represents life in common. The Lotus flower meaning ranges from enlightenment and divine purity to rebirth and wealth.
According to the Egyptian hieroglyphics lotus flower represents the number 1000. However, It is strange that you can find no representations of “zero or none” in Egyptian symbols.
The Egyptians have named this flower found in Egypt, as the lotus flower. The Egyptian “lotus” was actually a white water lily (Nymphaea). In ancient Egypt the lotus flower represented the sun. The Egyptian lotus flower grows in marshy areas. Lotus blooms are not only white, but even pink. The flower closes at night and opens up during the day. According to Egyptian mythology the lotus flower represents the fragility and the rapid change from life to death. The lotus flower connotes health, good luck, long life and honor.
In 2011, the rock band “Radiohead”, sang a song titled the Lotus flower. This flower is significant in Egyptian legend and they love it for its ability to grow in the muddy water and rise to the surface and bloom displaying its beauty.
In Buddhism, the lotus flower meaning signifies spiritual awakening. Generally, it symbolizes life. In certain cases it signifies a fresh start and strength. In scientific terms Nelumbo Nucifera or a lotus flower is synonymous with Cinderella in the world of flowers. The lotus flower matures in muddy water in the pond and afterwards blooms into gorgeous pink flowers.
Sacred lotus FAQs
What does the lotus flower mean?
In Hinduism and Buddhism the lotus stands for purity, enlightenment, rebirth and a fresh start. It is special because it grows in muddy water and blooms beautifully.
Where does the lotus grow?
The lotus grows in ponds and rivers in tropical Asia and Queensland, Australia. Its roots are in the mud and its leaves float on the water.
Is a lotus the same as a water lily?
No. A lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a different plant from a water lily (Nymphaea). The lotus has a round seed pod in the centre of the flower and the water lily does not.
How long can lotus seeds last?
Lotus seeds can last for years in the right conditions. A lotus once grew from a 1,300-year-old seed found in a dried lake bed in north-eastern China.
Which countries have the lotus as their national flower?
The lotus is the national flower of India and Vietnam.
Randi Jones is the owner and founder of the Nature Gift Store, an online retailer specializing in nature-themed gifts, educational science projects, live animal nature kits and real butterfly artwork. A biology graduate who fell in love with insects, she founded the company in 2001 to make active learning about nature fun, accessible and engaging for children and adults. Her store offers real butterfly frames, home and garden decor and educational live animal kits, including ant farms, worm farms, tadpoles, ladybugs and hermit crabs, and she runs a bug museum in Washington featuring live animals like Eddie the Iguana alongside other reptiles and insects.
