Lotus is the national flower of Vietnam. It is a welcome sign of summer, growing in muddy lakes but carrying a pure and beautiful fragrance. Lotus is also an important symbol in Buddhism as the seat of Buddha.
Overview of Lotus in Vietnam
Lotus, Vietnam national flower, is a perennial aquatic plant. The entire stem, roots, and petioles are underwater while the flower stalk and leaf blade are above water. When in full bloom, the flower opens up with multiple layers of overlapping petals. The petals have a shape similar to boats facing each other. Although lotus is often seen on muddy water, the flower is not tainted. Instead, it even purifies the water where it grows.
It is known as the flower of the dawn and is the symbol of purity, commitment and optimism for the future. At night the flower closes and sinks underwater and rises and opens again at dawn. The lotus is found throughout Vietnam in the muddy water of lakes and ponds.
Lotus as a Symbol of Vietnamese Characters
Although growing on muddy water, Vietnamese lotus flower does not smell like mud. Rather, it shines as the most beautiful flower on the pond. Therefore, the Vietnamese national flower represents the strong willpower of Vietnamese people, who can overcome all the adversity in life.
In addition, Vietnamese lotus symbolizes purity. Therefore, it has become a symbol of affection. If you want a sincere love and happy marriage, start by giving your loved one this Vietnam national flower.
The national flower of Vietnam also symbolizes the beauty of Vietnamese women, in both body and soul. Despite the obstacles in life, they still retain their beautiful appearance and manners.
Lotus Symbol in Vietnamese Buddhism
Lotus in Vietnamese culture is also known as the flower of Buddha. It represents the philosophy of enlightenment in Buddhism. The life of lotus plays out according to the law of cause and effect, of karma and rebirth. The buds represent the past, the flowers represent the present, and the seeds represent the future, all of which are connected to each other.
Lotus Symbol in Vietnamese Arts & Cultures
The lotus flower meaning is very prominent in Vietnamese culture, permeating various aspects of life. It appears in many traditional cultural activities, adorning festivals, and events across the country. Moreover, you can easily find lotus motifs represented in intricate artworks, textiles, and architecture. One architecture that still lasts today is the One Pillar Pagoda. But in Hanoi, one more pagoda is famous for its lotus symbol, the Kim Lien Pagoda (the pagoda of golden lotus). This one was built and designed around the 17th century.. The lotus serves as a muse which invites contemplation and evokes emotions of the artists.
In the realm of literature, lotus blossoms inspire poets to pen verses of beauty and resilience. Songs capture the essence of the lotus, celebrating its elegance and deep-rooted symbolism. From paintings to sculptures, the lotus remains an enduring symbol in the tapestry of Vietnamese culture.
Here is a Vietnamese folk – song praising the beauty of lotus:
“Trong đầm gì đẹp bằng sen
Lá xanh bông trắng lại chen nhị vàng
Nhị vàng bông trắng lá xanh
Gần bùn mà chẳng hôi tanh mùi bùn”
Lotus in Vietnamese Cuisines and Medicine
The lotus is also an important ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. Lotus imparts a delicate and subtle flavor to Vietnamese dishes. Vietnamese people have utilized different parts of the lotus to cook many traditional foods and drinks such as Vietnamese lotus tea, lotus salad, lotus seed soup, mooncakes with lotus seed paste, etc.
The lotus stems are incorporated into salads, while the stamens are dried and brewed into herbal tea. Lotus seeds, with their abundance of nutrients, are enjoyed in raw, dried, or boiled forms, often finding their way into delectable desserts and sweet soups. Additionally, lotus leaves serve as natural wrappers for dishes like steamed rice, infusing them with a distinct aroma. Indeed, the inclusion of lotus in Vietnamese cuisine adds a touch of elegance to the culinary creations.
Most Vietnamese were prideful when the lotus became the national symbolic icon of Vietnam. Not only is it a beautiful flower with a great combination of colors, but the lotus also represents the most desired characteristics of a Vietnamese, like grace, diligence, humility, and perseverance. Therefore, with friendly and good-natured people, Vietnam welcomes people from all over the world to visit their country.
Make your plan to Vietnam right now by obtaining a Vietnam visa at https://www.vietnam-evisa.org. We, a reputable and reliable Visa service, will assist you turn your plan into reality at the very first step.