Ever wonder how a lotus blossom seems to be completely clean despite growing out of the murky pond? The ancients marveled at this ability and thought the flower divine because of it, hence you see all kinds of divine figures seated on lotus blossoms in Eastern mythology. Buddhist images generally prefer the white lotus blossoms, like the one photoed below. The blinding white represents unblemished purity.
But how does it remain so clean? Botanists tell us the surface of the lotus flower is covered with millions of nano-sized waxy bumps. The valleys between these bumps are too small for dirt particles to get into, so dirt just rests on top. The valleys are also too small for water particles to get into, so water tends to bead up and roll off. Dirt sticks to water more than dry surfaces, so the water collects and carries away the dirt as it rolls off the blossom. Neat, huh? They call this the “lotus effect”1. Nice ring to that, eh?
Lotus blossoms seem to me to be pretty common in Japan. Many, even most, ponds I find seem to have them. Is it because of the Buddhist influences in Japanese culture, or just because they are pretty to look at? Not sure. Give me your thoughts in the comments.
See more Lotus Blossoms.
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I think they’re so common in Buddhist symbolism, because they are common in nature. Just like olive branches and grapes (wine) elsewhere. And as always — a very lovely photo!
Yeah, that could be — it makes sense to me.
Thanks for the compliment
I assume that lotus species has thick ans smooth cuticle on the surface of upper body part. It is composed of tangled layers of cellulose, hemi-cellulose, and lignin fibers. Another reason Japanese find lotus divinity is its dormancy. 1000 years old lotus seed could germinate under certain circumstances!!! Anyway, its a beautiful flower. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful weekend.
I think I read that before. 1000 years… seems unbelievable! What an amazing flower.