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| Lotus, Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nymphaeaceae), is a symbol of Buddhism. The wheel-like lotus flower symbolizes the perpetual cycle of life. In Chinese culture, lotus symbolizes purity. In China, Vietnam and Japan, people believe that this life form retains its cleanliness and beauty with fragrant and beautiful flowers despite growing on filthy, malodorous mud. Lotus flowers, seeds, roots, and stems are used as food in China and many parts of east Asia. Large lotus leaves are used as food wrap in China and Vietnam: an environmental friendly way to wrap our food, indeed! A lotus patch in West Lake (Ho Tay), Hanoi, Vietnam. - Photographed by Kien T. Dang'1994. |
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