Where does the lotus grow? Nut-bearing lotus: photo and description
The lotus closes its petals in the evening and returns back to the muddy swamp water, only to emerge at sunrise and open, shining. Thus, it represents untainted beauty and pristine purity in a polluted environment. The lotus is a common and multi-valued symbol in Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Egyptian traditions. This is an image of the source of the world, productive force, the unfolding of being, it acts as a symbol of rebirth, beauty, life, happiness, purity and spirituality. Opening at dawn and closing at sunset, the lotus personifies the rebirth of the Sun, and therefore any other rebirth, renewal of vitality, return of youth, immortality. Eastern tradition uses the lotus to represent the three stages in spiritual growth of a person: ignorance, an attempt to overcome it and acquired understanding.
IN Buddhism The lotus serves as a traditional symbol of purity. This is a symbol of Buddha's enlightenment. The lotus is born in muddy swamp water, but emerges unsullied and pure. Similarly, “beings born in one of the worlds of samsara, but sincerely practicing the teachings of the Buddha, are able to get rid of obscurations over time.” The lotus is one of the most recognized and thoroughly thought out Buddhist symbols. Every important and revered deity in Buddhism is associated with the lotus. Usually in images of deities they either sit on it or hold it in their hands.
In Buddhism, the lotus symbolizes the primordial waters, spiritual unfoldment, wisdom and nirvana. The Lotus is dedicated to Buddha, the “Pearl of the Lotus”, who emerged from the Lotus in the form of a flame. This is an image of purity and perfection: growing out of dirt, he remains pure - just like Buddha, born into the world. Buddha is considered the heart of the lotus, he sits on a throne in the form of a fully opened flower.
In addition, in Buddhism, the appearance of the lotus is associated with the beginning of a new cosmic era. The full bloom of the lotus represents the wheel of the continuous cycle of existence and is a symbol of Kuan Yin, Maitreya Buddha and Amitabha. In the Buddhist paradise, as in the paradise of Vishnu, in ponds made of jewelry, “amazing lotuses of different colors bloom.”
One of the most powerful and beloved bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism in Tibet, China and Japan, is the Lotus Bearer Avalokiteshvara, “God who looks down with compassion”... The prayer repeated millions of times is addressed to him: Om mani padme hum, “O Treasure at the Core lotus "... He holds in one of his left hands the lotus of the world."
Lotus in Sanskrit - “padma”, in Tibetan - pad ma
The lotus comes in a variety of colors, each associated with a specific Buddhist deity.
1) white lotus is associated with. White color- the color of the body of White Tara symbolizes the state of spiritual perfection - the perfect nature of White Tara.
2) red lotus - symbolizes the original nature and purity of the heart. The red lotus is the lotus of love, compassion, the suffering of martyrs, passion and all other properties of the heart. The red lotus is associated with Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion
3) blue lotus - a symbol of the victory of the spirit over the senses, a symbol of the wisdom of one who has knowledge. This flower is associated with Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom.
4) pink lotus - the supreme lotus, always corresponds to the highest deities - is associated with the Buddha himself.
Pink Lotus is a symbol of the presence of the Divine on earth.
Just as the lotus exists in three elements (earth, water and air), so man lives in three worlds: material, intellectual and spiritual. Moreover, the water where the lotus grows means the changing world of illusions. As a symbol of creation and knowledge, the lotus flower in Indian playing cards personifies the Buddha avatar.
In the Tibetan tradition, the lotus symbolizes the wheel of life, where the past, present and future are presented simultaneously. An unopened bud, a blossoming flower, and also lotus seeds symbolized the past, present and future, respectively, and the “pearl in the lotus” meant exit from the wheel of rebirth and death and the achievement of Nirvana.
The color, size and number of lotus petals determine its symbolism.
The five-petalled lotus has many meanings: it symbolizes the five senses and worlds, birth, initiation, marriage, rest from work and death.
The seven petals of the lotus mean the seven planets.
The eight-petalled lotus was perceived in India as the Heart of Being, in which Brahma resides, and as a visible manifestation of occult activity.
The nine-petalled lotus is a symbol of man, and the twelve-petalled lotus is the symbol of the Universe and God.
Lotus is an element of a kind of religious paraphernalia:
* in Egypt it meant sacred royal dignity,
* in Greece served as a love bed for Zeus and Hera on Mount Ida.
* in Rome, the nymph Lotis, pursued by the lustful Priapus, turned into a lotus.
* Ovid in “Metamorphoses” describes how Dryope, who picked a lotus flower, turned into a lotus tree.
IN Ancient India the lotus acts as a symbol of creative power, as an image of the creation of the world. The lotus was seen as a symbol of the Universe, a reflection of the earth that floats like a flower on the surface of the ocean. The open cup of the flower, located in the middle, is the mountain of the gods Meru.
In the Upanishads, Vishnu becomes the creator and preserver of the world. He is the beginning, middle and end of the whole world. When Vishnu wakes up, a lotus flower grows from his navel, and Brahma, the creator of the worlds, is born in it. In the center of Vishnu's heavenly paradise flows the heavenly Ganges, Vishnu's palace is surrounded by five lakes with blue, white and red lotuses that sparkle like emeralds and sapphires.
Vishnu's wife Lakshmi, the goddess of happiness, wealth and beauty, is associated with the lotus. According to one of the myths, when the gods and asuras were churning the ocean, Lakshmi emerged from it with a lotus in her hands. According to other ideas, Lakshmi arose at the very beginning of creation, emerging from the primordial waters on a lotus flower; hence her names Padma or Kamala ("lotus"). The lotus throne is an attribute of most Hindu and most revered Buddhist deities.
Lotus in Indian culture personifies the mother goddess and correlates with the yoni, the female reproductive organ. The goddess of fertility was depicted with a lotus in her hair; later this detail extended to other female deities, who were called “lotus goddesses.” In general, this flower acts as a symbol of creative power: the image of the cosmic lotus is considered as the formative principle of the universe, as the source of creation. The image of the lotus in India can be attributed, in connection with its general meaning, functions of the mandala; he is also part state emblem of this country.
White Lotus
IN Ancient Egypt Creation, birth and the Sun as the source of life were associated with the image of the lotus. This flower was associated with ideas about fertility and productive power, death and resurrection.
Since ancient times, the lotus has been associated with supreme power: the lotus was a symbol of Upper Egypt, and the scepter of the Egyptian pharaohs was made in the form of a lotus flower on a long stem. This great flower blossomed, rising from the depths of the primordial waters, and carried on its petals the existence embodied in the image of the solar deity, the golden child: from the lotus the sun god Ra is born. Rising Sun also often represented as Horus, which rises from a lotus, personifying the Universe. The lotus flower could serve as the throne of Osiris, Isis and Nephthys.
The lotus symbolized the renewal of vitality and the return of youth, for according to the views of the Egyptians, the old god dies in order to be reborn young. The image of the deceased holding a lotus flower speaks of resurrection from the dead, awakening on the spiritual plane.
As a symbol of prosperity and fertility, the lotus was an attribute of the Memphis god of vegetation Nefertum, who was depicted as a young man wearing a headdress in the form of a lotus flower. In the Pyramid Texts it is called "the lotus from the nose of Ra." Every morning the god Nefertum rises from the lotus and every evening descends into the water of the sacred lake.
He contacted the Nile and the sun; and also served as a throne for the supreme deities and therefore often symbolized higher authority. The lotus became the emblem of Upper Egypt, while the papyrus became the emblem of Lower Egypt. The image of the lotus permeates all Egyptian art, from the lotus-shaped capitals of temple columns to miniature toilet vessels and jewelry. The Egyptian blue lotus blooms during the day and closes at night; it has become a symbol of dawn, awakening from sleep; it was placed in tombs so that the dead would wake up in the next world. The white lotus is closed during the day and blooms only at night; it became a symbol of sleep. The Egyptians believed that the fruit of the white lotus brought oblivion and bliss. Subsequently, lotus symbolism spread from Egypt to Greece; for example, Homer reflected the story of lotus eaters - lotus eaters, whose island Odysseus visited: having tasted the lotus, his companions wanted to stay on the island forever.
IN China The lotus was revered as a sacred plant even before the spread of Buddhism and personified purity and chastity, fertility and productive power. According to the tradition of Chinese Buddhism, the “Lotus of the Heart” personifies the solar fire, as well as time, invisible and all-consuming, the revelation of all things, peace and harmony. In the western sky, in the lotus paradise, there is a lotus lake, where Amitofo (Amitabha), the Buddha of the West, sits among flowers, surrounded by bodhisattvas. Each lotus growing on this lake corresponds to the soul of a deceased person. In the Taoist tradition, one of the eight immortals, the virtuous maiden He Xian-gu, was depicted holding in her hands a symbol of purity - a white lotus flower on a long stem, curved like a sacred wish-fulfilling rod.
Two lotus plants are considered a symbol of marriage in China - they mean "one heart and harmony."
From Egypt, India and China, lotus symbolism penetrated into other countries. In Greco-Roman culture, the lotus was considered a plant sacred to Hera and Aphrodite. The ancient Greek hero Hercules makes one of his journeys in a golden boat in the shape of a lotus. Herodotus called the pink lotus, which was considered the most sacred and miraculous, the “pink lily of the Nile.” The inscription in the Temple of Hathor in Dendera reads: “Take for yourself the lotus that has existed since the beginning of time, the sacred lotus that reigned over the great lake, the lotus that comes out for you from Unit, it illuminates with its petals the land that was previously in darkness.”
Purple lotus
White Lotus
Goddess of Flowers Vajravaraha ( female tantric deity, wisdom dakini)
It is amazing beautiful plant known since ancient times. The beautiful water lily is the only representative in the lotus family. In Buddhism, and not only, the lotus is a sacred flower - a symbol of purity. Growing from muddy swamp water, the plant turns into a pure, beautiful flower facing the sun. Its seeds represent a symbol of life due to their longevity. Noticing that the lotus blossoms when the sun sets, the Egyptians assumed that such a phenomenon had some mysterious connection with the celestial bodies and their movement.
It is known that botanist Jane Shen-Miller was able to germinate the seeds of a plant that had lain for several centuries at the bottom of a long-dried reservoir. The seeds sprouted, and scientists determined that one of the grains was over 1,200 years old! This article will present a plant - the nut-bearing lotus. But first, let's look at all the types.
Types of lotus
- The yellow lotus, or American lotus, is common in South and North America. The name of the flower itself speaks about its color.
- Walnut, or Indian, is found in China and India. Its fragrant flowers have a beautiful pink color. The fruits of this lotus are shaped like the bell of a watering can. When fully ripe, small nuts appear in them.
General information about lotus blossoms
At the very beginning, the color of the petals of a lotus flower is bright pink, then it gradually fades, and the flowering thickets acquire a wide variety of pink shades.
There is a tradition (as with cherry blossoms) to admire the lotus during its blossoming, which lasts only 3 days. Then the beautiful petals fall off, after which the seed box is exposed. The seeds fall to the bottom of the reservoir, where they can lie for quite a long time.
Nut-bearing lotus: description of the flower
The plant is the most beautiful and largest representative of the coastal flora. During its flowering period, magnificent pink flowers rise to a height of up to 2 meters above the surface of the water and, against the backdrop of bright green leaves, present a delightful and indescribable sight.
The lotus flower is large (diameter is approximately 30 cm), semi-double, standing on a high peduncle. Its color ranges from white to scarlet. It is similar in shape to a water lily, only its petals are wider and less pointed. When the inflorescence blooms completely, a flat pistil 5-10 cm in size opens in it, and stamens with yellow anthers are located around it.
Nut lotus has a flower that closes at night and has a rather pleasant aroma. One inflorescence produces several large (up to 15 mm) seeds, the dense shell of which, when the fruit is fully ripe, protects the plant embryo from low temperatures and drying out. These seeds (nuts) have a rather pleasant taste.
Leaves and rhizomes
Nut lotus has two types of leaves (see photo below).
- The floating leaves have a flat, rounded shape. They are located both under the surface of the water and on the surface.
- The leaves are airy, rising above the surface up to 2 meters. Their shape is funnel-shaped, the surface with a waxy coating is dense. The leaf diameter reaches approximately 55 cm. The color is rich green.
The thickened and strong rhizome grows several meters around the plant. It contains microelements, vitamins, sugars in large quantities, proteins and fats. Even if not favorable conditions they can persist for a long time. Along the entire root there are embryonic buds that give rise to new plants. Freezing and complete drying of the reservoir is detrimental to this plant.
Places of growth
It should be noted that the nut-bearing lotus is listed in the Red Book. This plant grows in standing and slowly flowing waters, mainly in tropical and temperate regions of southern Europe, Asia, as well as on the islands of the Indian Ocean and northern Australia. It is this type of lotus that has been used since ancient times in many countries. folk medicine. This plant is found in the tropics of both hemispheres of the Earth. It also grows in Russia - in the Volga River delta, in the Far East and in Transcaucasia.
Although the nut-bearing lotus is cultivated in many countries, the Red Book includes this relict plant in its lists. It has been preserved due to the fact that people have cultivated it for many millennia. There is an opinion that the lotus as a genus could die. The flower (both yellow and nut-bearing) grows in shallow water in small thickets on oxbow lakes, estuaries, lakes with silty soils (depth up to two meters) and well-warmed water.
Types and varieties
There are several types of nut-bearing lotus, which grow well in some parts of Russia.
- The Caspian is common in the Volga delta and reservoirs of the Kuban. The flower is pink and the leaves are green and large. This species is very similar to the Asian one, but it is slightly smaller in size and adapted to cold weather.
- Komarov's lotus is the most cold-climate resistant species. Grows in the Far East and Primorsky Krai of Russia. This plant has large emergent leaves and white-pink flowers. It overwinters well in a thick silty layer, but dies when the soil freezes.
- American is the only species with yellow flowers. Grows in the tropics of America. It was initially grown only in greenhouses, but propagation by seeds helped to successfully cultivate the flower in Kuban and Sochi. Today this type is very popular.
Useful properties and applications
The nut-bearing lotus blooms in July-August, the fruits fully ripen in September. Its large and hard seeds resemble a nut in taste. They are edible. Nuts are widely used in cooking, and lotus roots in Asian cuisine are considered a delicacy and are consumed only on holidays.
Beneficial properties of lotus nut:
- diuretic;
- astringent;
- soothing;
- antipyretic;
- anti-burn;
- hemostatic;
- strengthening;
- antitoxic.
In folk medicine, lotus is used to treat liver and heart diseases, skin lesions, burns and diarrhea. The seeds are used for insomnia and excessive anxiety. Decoctions with rhizomes are useful for nervous exhaustion, convulsions, fever, bleeding and in the treatment of diseases of the spleen. These infusions are also used for snake and scorpion bites. Herbal infusions with lotus leaves used in treatment gynecological diseases(including cancer), etc. In cosmetology, lotus is used in preparations that cleanse, moisturize and give the skin elasticity and firmness.
Conditions for artificially growing lotus
Nut lotus can be grown artificially. Below are the basic conditions necessary for growing this plant.
- A non-freezing reservoir is required. Its depth should be 1.5-2 meters. Maintaining the water temperature at this level should not fall below 4 degrees so that the plant does not die.
- A considerable layer (more than 50 cm) of nutritious soil at the bottom of the reservoir is required. This is necessary for good and powerful root development. A well-silted bottom is additional protection against possible freezing.
- Good water heating and bright solar lighting required due to the long growing season of the plant.
Conclusion
How is the purity of a plant emerging from muddy muddy water maintained? The reason for this is the special glossy structure of the flower’s petals and its leaves. They are able to clean themselves by repelling water. This amazing plant deserves to continue its existence in nature. Otherwise, there would be much fewer such fabulously beautiful places on earth.
Most plants grown at home can be divided into classes. Some classes can be grown exclusively at home closed space. Some can be kept exclusively in the open air. There are flowers that will grow well in unpretentious conditions - even in the warmth or outside. Understanding which group the plant belongs to, it becomes correct to organize proper care. Critical maintenance principles consist of ensuring atmospheric humidity, the amount of moisture entering the soil and ensuring a safe temperature. The sun is one of the main conditions.
General information about the aquatic plant "Lotus"
LOTUS (Nelumbo) is a genus of dicotyledonous herbaceous amphibian plants, the modified stems of which are immersed deep under water in the ground. At the same time, the lotus develops three types of leaves: underwater, floating and above-water, rising high above the surface of the water, which grow on flexible long petioles. It is the only representative of the Lotus family (Nelumbonaceae).
The flowers are always turned towards the sun; they bloom early in the morning and close at night. The petals turn bright pink in the morning, but gradually fade and in the afternoon you can see an incredible range of colors - from rich pink to almost white. You can admire the lotus blooming in the thickets for quite a long time, since quite a few flowers bloom on one plant, but not at the same time, although the flower itself lives only three days.
Description, types and varieties of lotus
Lotuses have been separated into an independent family since 1829, called Nelumbonaceae. This family consists of only one genus - Nelumbo and three species:
This unusual aquatic plant first appeared in North Africa, but at the moment it can be found even in Southern Europe. The lotus is especially common in the tropics and temperate zones. Nelumbo nucifera (nut-bearing) formerly known as N. speciosum (Wild), grows wild in South and Central Asia. It grows in muddy, stagnant and slowly flowing waters of the Nile and Ganges. It is this plant that is considered sacred in the eyes of the natives.
The entire plant is considered edible, and the root is a delicacy and is widely used for medicinal purposes. It is better to collect flowers in the pre-dawn hour, as soon as they are ready to open towards the sun. At this time, flowers are most fragrant and suitable for various purposes. As is already known, seeds remain viable for centuries, but see all this on a separate page...
Nut-bearing lotus, or Indian (lat. Nelumbo nucifera) 
It grows in northeastern Australia, the Russian Far East, the Philippine Islands, the Malay Archipelago, the island of Sri Lanka, as well as in India, China, and Japan. This species can be found in Kalmykia, the Volgograd region (Sredneakhtubinsky district, before reaching the village of Lebyazhya Polyana), the Astrakhan Nature Reserve, the Krasnodar and Primorsky Territories.
The plant has large shield-shaped leaves that rise above the water, pale green below and dark green above. The waxy coating gives a slight bluish tint to the entire plant. Erect petioles reach a length of two meters, the rhizomes are quite branched, powerful and knotty. Large lotus flowers, 25-30 cm in diameter, are pink in color and have a not strong but pleasant aroma. In the center of the flower there are many bright yellow stamens. Quite large single-seeded nuts (fruits) 1.5 cm long, with a dense pericarp, located in a cone-shaped receptacle. The first leaves of the nut-bearing lotus appear in May, and it blooms in late July or early August. The flowering period ends in late autumn.
Not long ago, the nut-bearing lotus began to be divided into two subspecies:
Yellow lotus, or Nile water lily (Nelumbo lutea) Has become widespread in the New World. Grows on the Hawaiian Islands, the coast of Central and North America, therefore it also has the name American lotus. This species is practically no different from the nut-bearing lotus, except in the color of the flowers and the duration of flowering. The flowers of this plant are bright yellow, open at sunrise in May, and form buds by midday. Flowering lasts no more than five days, then it sheds its petals.
Caspian lotus (Nelumbo caspica) 
Not everyone knows that the lotus flower grows not only in the tropical latitudes of Africa or America, but is also found in our country. It is also called Astrakhan rose, Caspian or Chulpan rose. Currently, this famous pink flower lives both in artificial pools and reservoirs, and in natural environmental conditions.
The appearance of lotus in the Caspian Sea still causes heated debate. Some believe that it was brought by Buddhist monks from Kalmykia, while others claim that it has been preserved since the Tertiary period. The Caspian lotus was first found in the Chulpan Bay by the Russian scientist Semyon Ivanovich Gremyachinsky in August 1849. Now the flower grows in bays and lakes with very warm water. When the water level drops significantly, the plant finds itself on dry land, but continues to develop. The Caspian lotus blooms at the end of summer, and by October the fruits are already ripening.
Komarov's lotus (Nelumbo komarowii)Grows in the Far East in the Amur basin, along the lower reaches of the Ussuri River, on Lake Malaya Khanka, where it occupies quite vast areas. Here it has been preserved from past eras as a living fossil, when the climate was much warmer. It gradually adapted to existing conditions and became frost-resistant. Usually the silt in which its rhizomes overwinter does not freeze, but in rare cases of freezing the plant dies.
Garden lotus varieties
garden plantsRise above yourself.
So, the Lotus Flower meditation. In my opinion, it is described in most detail in the works of the same mysterious Anastasia Novykh. However, we were especially interested in something else; references to analogues of this spiritual practice are scattered everywhere, both in religions and in various esoteric sources. According to quite popular statements today, “Lotus” meditation (as it is also called for short) is a direct and shortest path to the Soul, which I will try to understand to this day.
Of course, you must initially understand that the “Lotus Flower” is not a panacea, but just a tool, so the purpose of the experiment is not only banal study and blog coverage, but a broader complex of spiritual, personal studies that allow you to take over your Animal Nature.
Lotus (Nelumbo) - beauty on the water
Plant type: aquatic perennial.
- Homeland: the birthplace of the yellow lotus is the USA, and the nut-bearing lotus originates from the Philippines, the countries of the East, Northern Australia, Egypt, the Volga River delta near the Caspian Sea.
- Growing environment: artificial reservoirs, ponds, containers.
- Flowering: present.
- Lighting: It is advisable to provide full sunlight.
- Humidity level: high.
- Aroma: yes. Due to the pleasant aroma, the foliage and flowers of these plants have been found wide application in cooking.
Photo of lotus on water
Every 3-4 weeks. When applying fertilizing, you must be very careful, since growing shoots may be damaged. 10 cm pots with good garden loam. A hole must be dug for the seeds, and each of them must be planted in separate pots. Gently cover the roots with gravel or soil. If you have waited too long and the leaves have begun to sprout, they should also be covered with soil, just as you covered the roots. There should be as much light as possible. Lotuses can be placed in garden water only when it warms up to at least +15°C. Lotuses can also be planted in larger containers without holes for drainage. If the plant is grown from seeds, it may not bloom in the first year.
What does the lotus symbolize?
Lotus flowers have perhaps the richest and most universal symbolism in the world and are described in large quantities the most sacred myths and legends. They are known not only for their exquisite beauty and delicious aroma, but also for their healing properties- pacifying the spirit and healing the body, giving vitality and confidence, attractiveness and long youth. In fact, the lotus is the most sacred plant of the Eastern countries, which unanimously identify it with light, pristine purity, chastity and self-knowledge.
The exquisite child of Flora has enough reasons for such veneration: having originated in the muddy bottom, the lotus bud overcomes the thickness of the water and blooms at dawn under the first rays of the sun - and at sunset it closes its petals again and plunges into the dark, cool depths. So the lotus began to personify the Sun, the movement of heavenly bodies, the change of day and night. In addition, this flower symbolizes the Universe, eternity and time - past, present and future - because the same plant simultaneously has seeds-nuts, flowers and buds that have not yet opened. Lotus fruits that fall into infertile soil can sleep for a century and a half - and then again give life to beautiful flowers. Combining the elements of earth (the bottom of a reservoir), water, air and fire (the sun), the lotus turns out to be inseparably linked with the creation of the world.
Lotus in Egypt
For the Egyptians, the lotus symbolized the sun, resurrection, beauty, prosperity and fertility, as well as supreme power. A fragrant flower with flexible green stems is woven into mythology ancient civilization, becoming an integral attribute of the gods. The sun god Ra was born from a lotus that blossomed on the surface of the Primordial Water. His son, Horus, rose every morning from a lotus flower at sunrise and lay down to rest in it. The god of fertility and revival of life, Osiris, and his wife Isis sat on thrones of lotuses, and their heads were crowned with headdresses woven from beautiful flowers.
Inheriting their gods, the pharaohs decorated their heads with flowers of the “heavenly blue lily”, wore scepters in the form of a lotus flower on a long stem, and the tombs of their rulers were strewn with its petals so that they would be resurrected in the afterlife. Five lotuses were the emblem of Upper Egypt, and the buds were engraved on gold coins. Lotus wreaths were used to decorate statues of gods, temples, and the heads of important guests, and at feasts, servants carried fresh flowers like dishes, and replaced them with fresh ones at the first signs of wilting. Lotus was used in Egyptian architecture - on columns, as a wall decoration. The Egyptians even used the image of a lotus as a hieroglyph for the number 1000.
The Egyptians used Nile lotus oil in love magic: they believed that dripping it onto the three main points - behind the ears and in the center of the forehead - formed a pyramid with its apex facing the stars - and this made them especially charming. The lotus also served as a talisman: by inhaling the aroma of the flower, a person received its protection, and if he constantly wore a stem, leaf, petal or nut of a lotus on his body, the gods gave him blessings, happiness and immortality.
An ancient Egyptian proverb says: “Many lotuses on the water - there will be great fertility.” And this was already a completely earthly happiness for the Egyptian people - after all, hearty bread was baked from lotus fruits rich in starch, fiber and sugars and medicinal infusions were prepared.
Lotus in India
The ancient Vedic civilization considered the Lotus to be the flower of Life, since it was present in the original chaos, and gave rise to all things: The Upanishads describe the earth as a lotus flower floating on the surface of cosmic infinity. Hindus depicted the throne of many Hindu gods as a lotus. From the navel of the first god in the world, Vishnu, a lotus once grew, and from this flower Brahma, the creator of the worlds, appeared. The gods plowed the milk ocean - and then the goddess of happiness and beauty Lakshmi emerged from its depths with a lotus in her hands, becoming the wife of Vishnu.
Aromatic tea was brewed from blue lotus petals, and they were also smoked through a hookah. The emblem of India today is the red lotus - “the friend of the sun, blooming only when the month passes and the cold of the night.”
Lotus in China
In China during the Taoist era, the lotus was considered a sacred plant: the maiden He Xin-gu, one of the Eight Immortals, was depicted with a lotus flower in her hands. The structure of the Universe in Buddhist belief is understood as countless lotuses, contained successively one within the other ad infinitum. The image of this flower was necessarily present in Chinese painting - in the western part of the sky, artists depicted the “heavenly lotus lake” - so in Ancient China understood a paradise where every flower communicated with souls. If the deceased person was virtuous, the lotus blossomed; otherwise, it withered.
Buddhists associated the lotus with the image of Buddha: when he was born, a generous rain of lotuses fell from the sky. The boy immediately took the first seven steps, and where his feet left traces, lotuses grew. The most famous yoga pose, in which meditative concentration and the sharpest concentration of attention are achieved, was called the “lotus” pose for a reason. Buddha is also depicted sitting on a blossoming lotus flower: its root is like matter, the stem stretching upward is the soul, and the flower that does not touch the water and the sun-drenched flower is spirit. “Even living among the mud of a swamp, you can remain spotlessly clean,” said the Buddha. Therefore, the lotus position symbolizes nirvana - full disclosure soul and spirit. Buddha's Paradise was also imagined as gardens with blooming white, blue, yellow, pink and red lotuses in ponds.
In the Feng Shui trend that is popular today all over the world, images of a lotus flower or its glass figurines are used to awaken spiritual consciousness and pacify the home atmosphere, to activate zones of wealth and partnership.
Lotus in Antiquity
Homer described in the Odyssey a long-standing myth about “lotophages” - people who tasted the lotus, forgot their past life and did not want to leave the place of flowering magic flower– Libya (it was in this place that Odysseus’s companions wanted to stay forever). And the ancient Romans had a legend about the nymph Lotis, pursued by Priapus, who turned into a lotus flower. Hercules made one of his journeys in a golden boat in the shape of a lotus. Ovid's "Metamorphoses" tells the story of the transformation of Dryope, who picked a lotus, into a lotus tree. This flower was also dedicated to Aphrodite and Hera.
LOTUS, LOTUS a, m. lotus, lotos m. lat. lotus, gr. 1. South water plant with large flowers, considered sacred in some countries. Sl. 18. Lotus. An Egyptian plant, divided into many generations... The most glorious of these, growing on... ... Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian Language
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Genus of perennial amphibians herbaceous plants lotus family. The flowers are large, up to 30 cm in diameter. 2 species, in temperate and tropical zones of both hemispheres. In South East. Asia, Northeast Australia and southern Europe, including the Volga delta,... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary
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LOTUS, lotus, husband. (Greek: lotos). The name of several species of flowering herbaceous marsh and aquatic plants of hot countries with edible fruits, from the family. water lilies. Egyptian lotus. Indian lotus. Ushakov's explanatory dictionary. D.N. Ushakov. 1935... ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary
The rhizomes of this water lily, of East Asian origin, are often used in Chinese and Japanese cuisine. As a rule, perforated rhizomes are cut into transverse slices, which thanks to this look decorated with a decorative pattern.… … Culinary dictionary
LOTUS- “I love one (one) you very much” tattoo. LOTUS Leningrad Regional Fuel Union http://www.lots.spb.ru/ energy. LOTUS summer group of work and recreation for high school students... Dictionary of abbreviations and abbreviations
Books
- Lotus of Brahma. Dilogy (Seven days in the Himalayas. Signs of Christ), Sidorov Valentin Mitrofanovich. The fates of the documentary stories that formed the duology developed differently. The first - "Seven Days in the Himalayas" - miraculously broke through the censorship slingshots, was published in 1982 in...
Evgeniy Sedov
When your hands grow from the right place, life is more fun :)
Content
Nut lotus is the most revered flower in Asia and the East. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans considered it sacred. According to myth, the plant appeared from the unrequited love of a water nymph for Hercules. Existing types– American yellow, Nile white, oriental red, nut-bearing (pink lotus).
Nut-bearing lotus - description
To recognize this beautiful plant, you will need a description of the nut-bearing or nut-shaped lotus:
- name in Latin is Nelumbonucifera. Flower of the gods, symbol of purity and wisdom.
- Lotus family.
- A perennial herbaceous amphibian plant - a native of Asian countries with a tropical climate: India, Japan, China. In Russia it can grow in the Far East.
- It has dense dark green large leaves, reaching a diameter of up to 1/2 meter. The plant has a long spiny stalk. A pink flower appears on the peduncle in July-August. The root is large, branched, overgrown. The fruit ripens in a box.
- The Far Eastern nut-bearing variety of flower is an endangered species that had to be included in the Red Book of Russia.
What does a lotus look like?
The plant's shape is very similar to a water lily, but only very large. It has beautiful large, floating leaves and a huge stem. Pink flowers can be up to 30 cm in diameter. The dense, flat and fleshy petal has a rough surface. Thanks to this, the plant always manages to look clean in numerous photos - the water simply rolls off the leaf, carrying away all the dust and dirt. A flower grown on muddy soil represents purity.
The nut-bearing lotus plant has a powerful rhizome. The foliage rises above the water in dense blades or lies on the surface. The plant is covered with a waxy coating, this is the secret of purity. Particularly interesting are the seeds, which can be stored for a very long time. In appearance, they resemble dark olives the size of a hazelnut in a strong peel. The strength of the seed is important for long-term storage. There are cases when scientists found a capsule fruit more than 1000 years old, and the nuts sprouted.
When the lotus blooms
The lotus blooms from mid-summer to early autumn. The peak occurs at the end of July - beginning of August. You can see this spectacle in the photo or by going to the Astrakhan colonies, where the flower (Astrakhan) multiplies. The largest plantations of these plants are located in the Caspian Sea, in the delta of the Volga River. Entire excursions come to see the colorful blooms - tourists really like the colonies of flowers on the water. Interesting fact: one bud lives only three days from birth to wilting.
Types of Nut Lotus
There is not only one variety of this plant on the territory of Russia. There are the following types of lotuses:
- Caspian. The flower grows near the Volga delta. It differs from the Asian species in that it is smaller in size and resistant to cold.
- Far Eastern. The flower grows in the Far East. Tolerant to cold, but dies when the soil freezes strongly.
- American. Homeland of the plant - South America. The flowers are yellow. Thanks to cultivation, it has spread widely throughout Russia.
Where does the lotus grow?
The lotus plant grows in slow-moving silty waters that warm up well and is a property of temperate tropical climate zones. Partially propagated by knotty rhizomes. The population needs above-zero temperatures, and the reservoir is not subject to freezing. Warmth is one of the conditions for preserving a relict species. The genus might have ceased to exist if not for the efforts of people to preserve this flower. For Russia, a plant is a decoration Far East. Residents of other regions of the country can see the flower only in the photo.
How to grow lotus at home
Growing lotus at home is a completely doable task. To do this, it is necessary to create certain conditions. The algorithm for growing a flower from a seed is as follows:
- To open the shell you can use sandpaper and a file. The top should be filed. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the seed.
- After the seed is visible in the small sawn hole, the nut is placed in a small transparent vessel with water. It needs to be changed every day.
- In two to three weeks, the first shoots will appear, which after a while will turn into long stems with leaves.
- As soon as the roots grow, it’s time to replant the plant. For seedlings, you need special soil (a mixture of sand, peat and black soil), which is placed at the bottom of a pot with holes.
- Place the sprouts loosely on the surface, straighten the leaves.
- Prepare a large aquarium. Place a pot of seedlings at the bottom and fill with water so that the leaves can be on the surface. This is necessary for the plant to begin to grow and bloom, to prevent rotting.
- Don't forget about lighting - the flower loves a lot of light.
Lotus propagation
In place of the flower, a fruit appears - a kind of conical basket. Up to twenty seeds “sit” in the cells, looking like hard, brown nuts in a dense shell. When ripe, the fruits fall out of the basket into the pond. Propagating lotus seeds takes time. The relict population is restored mainly by replanting rhizomes. The shell of nuts is so strong that even in favorable conditions the seed can lie dormant for a long time.
Properties of lotus
Nut lotus has a number of beneficial properties. The plant contains flavonoids, which can improve the functioning of many human organs; it is used to treat a number of diseases. The beneficial properties of lotus can be briefly listed; it has:
- diuretic effect;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antitumor;
- antispasmodic;
- vascular strengthening;
- wound healing.
Lotus flower
Lotus flowers rise more than a meter above the pond on tall, fleshy stems. The bright petals quickly change color throughout the day (from crimson to pale pink). The plant loves it very much sunlight and blooms with sunrise. The flower is extremely beautiful and exudes a pleasant aroma. The seeds ripen in the fruit-box (similar to the bell of a watering can). The nuts fall to the bottom of the reservoir, where they are stored under a layer of silt.
Lotus leaf - properties
The beautiful plant has green leaves up to 40-50 cm in diameter, which effectively lie on the surface of the water. Medicinal properties Lotus leaves have been known since ancient times and are widely used by healers. Contained in lotus useful material, have an antiseptic effect, increase blood clotting, relieve cramps, and the decoction heals wounds. The leaves are collected during the summer, cut into small pieces and dried. They prepare decoctions, teas and tinctures, make powders and add them to food.
Lotus fruits - beneficial properties
Lotus seeds are the most useful part of the plant (they treat heart disease, decoctions can remove feelings of fear and relieve insomnia). Traditional medicine is full of descriptions of recipes on how to use fruits to prepare infusions for liver ailments, intestinal disorders, and stomach infections. Information from eastern treatises will tell you how to cure pneumonia, asthma, and ulcers. There are no diseases that are not affected by the wide spectrum of action of seeds.
Application of lotus
Indian healers believed that with the help of this flower one could lift a person out of depression. At all times, the plant was used as cosmetic product. A mixture of finely chopped petals and plant oil smoothed the skin of the face and restored youth. Many peoples consumed seeds, nuts and lotus roots as food. Where is lotus used in the modern world:
- Medicine. The flower has many useful components. Tanning, antiseptic, astringent, wound-healing, diuretic properties have made this plant indispensable in pharmaceuticals.
- Cooking. The leaf powder is used as an aromatic seasoning.
- Religion. In many cultures it is believed that this powerful tool to cleanse the soul. The energy of the flower is capable of defeating witchcraft.
- Cosmetology. Many skin and hair care products contain various extracts from the plant.
Applications of lotus oil
Lotus oil is widely in demand in cosmetology. A magical elixir is obtained from flowers collected before dawn. When harvesting, it is important not to damage the plant, otherwise it will lose its beneficial properties. The oil has a rejuvenating, smoothing and regenerating effect and is included in many creams and face masks. Massages and body wraps are popular.
Lotus in cooking
Eastern people have come up with many options for eating the plant. All parts are suitable for culinary processing - starch, sugar, butter are extracted from it, and flour is made. Cooking lotus root is a real art; this delicacy is served as a side dish, and lovers of sweets make marmalade from the roots. Nuts are especially considered delicious - they are eaten fresh or caramelized.
Lotus in medicine
The properties of the medicinal nut-bearing lotus have been known to medicine since ancient times. The Egyptians, ancient Greeks and Romans greatly revered this flower. Lotus has found wide application in folk medicine. The medicinal properties allow it to be used in the following cases:
- diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver;
- an indispensable plant for heart ailments;
- skin diseases, snake bites and long-healing wounds;
- Seed decoctions relieve anxiety;
- tea helps relieve insomnia;
- decoctions of the stems are used by gynecology;
- a drink is made from the rhizome, useful for neuroses and convulsions;
- some species are able to fight cancerous tumors;
- the aroma of the flower gently lifts out of deep depression, raises the tone of mental strength;
- Vitamin C strengthens the immune system.
Video: signs of nut-bearing lotus
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Plant nut lotus- beneficial properties of fruits and leaves, cultivation and care at home