Lotus Flowers

The Versatile Lotus

Here in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades lives a mysterious enigma. Sometimes so versatile that all parts of it can be used. Many creatures, big and small, inhabit this land, but no flora comes close to the exciting and distinct characteristics of the Lotus Flower.

The Lotus Flower is a prominent symbol in many religions and religious ceremonies in the Buddhist and Hindu cultures of Asia. This flower is often depicted in the hands of gods or prophets and can symbolize a wide variety of things; from peace and prosperity to enlightenment and intelligence. Out here on the marshland the lotus flowers bloom in plentiful fields. They are often white or yellow, but the lotus flower can be varying shades of pink, purple, blue, indigo, white, and yellow. There were even black lotus flowers discovered in the deep recesses of China. So it is possible that there are as many colors of lotus flowers as there are colors in the rainbow.

The Lotus Flower is also considered the giver of life in these Asian cultures. That influence may come from the fact that the entire Lotus plant is edible. From the roots all the way up to the petals. It has become a staple in Asian cooking and often is found in lieu of such vegetables as potatoes and lettuce. While you can purchase pieces of the lotus plant (often found in Asian themed markets) you can also harvest the plant directly from its natural habitat. It is labor intensive and there are all kinds of creepy critters hanging out in the marshlands so you should never just wander into a swamp to harvest a lotus. You can book outings with companies that have captains and boats specially designed to harvest the lotus. A little also goes a long way, you would only need 2 to 3 plants in total, to last for a month or more.

If you do not live near or happen to have the beauty of the Lotus Flower near you, never fear! You can use a few common ingredients to make your own floating Lotus plant! It is creative, fairly easy to make, and will absolutely be a conversation starter. Check out this blog (https://shesimmers.com/2011/02/easy-vegetable-carving-lotus-bowl-centerpiece.html) for step by step instructions on how to make a floating Lotus Flower from a regular onion!

The Lotus has influence not just Asian cultures, but people all over the world. It is a prevalent symbol and easy to spot in tattoos, cooking, artwork, and literature. So keep your eyes, ears, and mouth open because you never know when you might encounter the Lotus next!