While traveling around Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand, you will notice an abundance of flowers used in businesses, homes, and in temples. Flowers carry a special symbolic meaning to Buddhism. The lotus flower, in particular, is the most sacred. Let’s explore why the lotus flower in Thailand is so important.
What Is a Lotus Flower?
Lotus flowers, also known as Nelumbo Nucifera, grow in shallow ponds and come in a few different colors including pink, white, blue, and red. They have many layers and bloom in warm weather. The lotus is the national flower of India and Vietnam.
They are very symbolic because they generally grow in muddy shallow water and bloom into a beautifully symmetrical flower. Every day, they submerge back into the muddy water and bloom again the next day.
With the flower’s natural rebirth, it’s easy to see how it is closely connected to Buddhism.
The flower also has a history of being used in Chinese medicine dating back to the Han dynasty. The entire flower is edible, but the most popular parts are the leaves and the seeds. If you want to try to eat the lotus flower in Thailand, I recommend getting a Miang Bua from the Red Lotus Cafe in Bang Len.
Why Is It Significant to Thailand?
Thailand is a predominately Buddhist country. The flower has a significant role in the Buddhist faith.
- The flower pushes its way up to the light and warmth which symbolizes reaching for enlightenment.
- It is recognized as a symbol of purity, faith, and spiritual awakening
- White lotus flowers represent spiritual perfection
- Yellow represents spiritual ascension
- Blue represents wisdom
- Pink represents the Buddha
The lotus flower in Thailand is given as an offering to the Buddha in temples all across the country. It is believed that giving beautiful things to the Buddha will give them good merit.
Merit in Buddhism is important because it determines what kind of life you will have in the afterlife. Making good merit includes good deeds, acts, and thoughts. The more good merit you have, the better your life will be in the afterlife.
Where Can You Find the Lotus Flower in Thailand?
The most popular place to view a sea of lotus flowers is in Udon Thani. You can hire a boat to take you around the lake called Talay Bua Daeng. Udon Thani is located in northeastern Thailand, which is kind of out of the way for many tourists.
So, a closer option is to visit a smaller lake in Bang Len which is only 30-40 minutes away from Bangkok.
More Bangkok Tips
- Staying in the city for a few days? Here’s a quick 3-day Bangkok itinerary.
- Did you know there’s a mangrove in the city only a short distance from the center? Here’s how to get there and what to do.
- Tired of going to Khao San Road? Here are 3 alternative places to spend the evening.
- Want to explore the Chao Praya River? Read this guide for 10 of the best things to see and do.
This is so interesting! I’ll definitely be looking out for lotus flowers when I visit Thailand. Also popped lotus flower seeds are delicious.
That is so cool. I did not realize the lotus flower had a significant meaning to it. Thanks so much for sharing!
This is so interesting..I never knew about the meaning of the different colours of lotus flowers. I hope I’ll get to visit Thailand someday and experience the culture and food there.
This is so beautiful! I never knew how symbolic the lotus flower was until now. I will definitely be paying attention to this on my visit to Thailand!
Char xo | http://www.memoirsmusings.com
Thanks for share more article. I likes this article. It was so amazing and read so interesting. The most popular place to view a sea of lotus flowers is in Udon Thani. Udon Thani is located in northeastern Thailand.
Very intriguing. I do not know about the significance or symbolism of the lotus. Or that they were edible. Nice article.