lotus flower
... The lotus flower, also known as nelumbo nucifera, is one of the most celebrated of all. ... Different cultures use this flower as a symbol of beauty in addition to its religious symbolism. ... The lotus can be found in temperate, sub-temperate, tropical and sub-tropical regions. ... In order to grow, the lotus flower requires a temperature of at least 70 degrees F. ... Unlike other water lilies, the lotus grows above the surface of the water at dawn and then submerges itself into the water again at night. ... The passage of the flower through the earth, water, and then the air is used as a symbol of the material, intellectual, and spiritual worlds. In Egyptian history the lotus flower played a prominent role in the version of the creation story that originated in Heliopolis. ... Out of Nun emerged a lotus flower and a single mound of dry land. The lotus blossoms opened, and out of it stepped the self-created sun god, Atum, as a child. ... In this story, the sun god who formed himself from the chaos of Nun emerged from the lotus petals as Ra. The lotus is a flower which opens and closes each day. His history went on to say that the petals of the lotus blossom enfolded him when he returned to it each night. The lotus flower has been featured extensively throughout the art of ancient Egypt. ... In the Near East, Mesopotamia, the lotus was the flower of Lilith, the Sumero-Babylonian goddess that Jews claimed was Adams first wife In Hinduism the flower itself is not worshipped but is very important. ... In one story, it is said that the flower arose from the navel of the God Vishnu, and in the middle of the flower was Brahma. ... The three Brahminical deities, Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva are associated with this flower. In several regions of India, the flower is used as an offering during worship. ... Lakshmi is said to have emerged from a lotus which grew from the forehead of Lord Vishnu. In one hand Lakshmi holds a lotus flower, reminding us of ever-lasting life and the immortality of the soul.