Lotus: The Beauty Of Vietnam National Flower

What is the meaning of the Lotus flower?

When discussing flowers, Vietnamese people frequently mention lotus. There is a well-known folk song in Vietnamese that declares, "In the pond, nothing is more beautiful than lotus, the flower of the aurora.”

The lotus flower has long been not only the inspiration of poets but also a favorite of many Vietnamese people. The lotus flower, which grows in muddy water and emerges above the surface to blossom in stunning splendor, is beloved by the Vietnamese as a beautiful flower that represents purity, calm, dedication, and optimism for the future.

Each color of a lotus blossom has a specific meaning, and they come in a variety of colours:

Red lotus: Has a connotation that is connected to the heart and is associated with love and compassion.

Blue lotus: Associated with the triumph of the spirit over knowledge, intellect and intelligence. If you ever get the chance to view a blue lotus in Buddhist art, you will note that it is always shown to be just half open, with the core never being visible.

White lotus: Known to stand for Bodhi, and it denotes a condition of mental purity as well as spiritual perfection. It is also related to the pacification of one's nature. This lotus is regarded as the world's womb.

White Lotus

Purple lotus: Regarded as a mystic who belongs to esoteric cults. Either an open flower or a bud may be used to represent it. The noble eightfold way, one of the core ideas of the Buddha, is symbolized by the eight petals of the purple lotus. This is regarded as one of the noble truths and is believed to lead to self-awakening.

Pink lotus: The supreme lotus and regarded as the genuine lotus of Buddha.

Vietnam beauty via Lotus flower

Although growing in mud, lotus is not polluted. But in contrast, it can change its living environment; everywhere it grows, it turns turbid water into clear one. Lotus flowers are fragrant and attractive, but the scent of lotus is not too strong showing a noble spirit. In addition, lotus flowers have their hidden beauty with pink petals and yellow pistils. It is not be disturbed by any bee and butterfly from blooming to falling time. Overcoming binding to find airy space, lotus flowers continue to spread under sunlight, blooming, and emit its scent in surrounding space.

To the Vietnamese, the lotus symbolizes the spirit of five basic things:

– Immaculateness: The lotus grows out of a dark, muddy place, but the lotus is not stained.

– Purification: When the lotus plant grows, proliferates, it will make the water there become cool.

– The subtlety of the scent: The scent of lotus gives off a pure, not too passionate, sweet fragrance.

– Purity: From the time it blooms to the end of the lotus flower, there is no pistil from other insects.

– Patience: growing up in the middle of a swamp is a process of growing patience.

All the symbols of the lotus fully converge in their philosophical meaning - noble life, the meaning of yin and yang of the five elements and a growing desire to live in accordance with Vietnamese culture.

Which is the best time for expats to admire the Lotus flowers?

Lotus is a flower that only blooms in summer. The regions do, however, differ from others.

In the South, lotus flowers often bloom quite early, right from March of the solar calendar. There are beautiful blooming lotus ponds in the provinces of the Mekong Delta such as Long An, Can Tho, Dong Thap, ...

And in the North, lotus flowers usually bloom later, it takes until May to June to have lotus flowers in full bloom. This is also the time when the bustling family members invite each other to take pictures with the lotus to preserve the beautiful moments.

The life span of the lotus flower usually lasts about 1-2 months, it will fade away in July.

Where can expats enjoy or check in with the Lotus flowers in Vietnam?

The most beautiful blooming lotus ponds in season

West Lake Lotus Blossoms

One of Vietnam's most picturesque lotus lakes is West Lake in Hanoi. In the midst of the bustling and crowded city, the West Lake lotus pond becomes a green, beautiful and gentle highlight, drawing a large number of Hanoi residents and tourists to visit every summer. The lotus here is famous for its vibrant beauty, substantial lotus buds, and eye-catching dark pink color with 170 different lotus varieties.

To fully enjoy the beauty of the West Lake lotus pond as well as capture every moment with the lotus, you can come here in the morning or afternoon. The pink lotus buds blossom brilliantly each morning while still containing the morning dew. And when the afternoon falls, the lotus begins to give off a fragrant fragrance, which is very suitable for you to admire the scenery and enjoy the flowers.

Lotus Ponds In Hue

Traveling to Hue in the summer without admiring the most beautiful lotus lake in Hue - Tinh Tam lotus lagoon is a pity. According to historical records, lotus in Tinh Tam lagoon was grown to serve the cuisine of the king and the royal palace because the lotus seeds here are especially delicious and nutritious.

Coming to Tinh Tam lotus lake, visitors will admire the vast lotus pond with lotus flowers blooming in the soft air. The delicate, gentle beauty and pleasant fragrance will make visitors feel pure and relaxed.

Thap Muoi Lotus Pond

Referring to the most beautiful lotus lake in Vietnam, it is impossible not to mention Dong Thap lotus pond. A popular tourist destination in the Mekong Delta, Dong Thap lotus pond is situated in My Hoa commune, Thap Muoi district, about 39 kilometers from Cao Lanh city.

A special feature of Dong Thap lotus pond is that the lotus here blooms all year round, so you can come and admire it on any occasion. Coming here, you will have the chance to try exciting things like boating, fishing, collecting lotus flowers with locals, as well as the lovely and romantic natural surroundings.

Lotus Ponds In Mui Ne - Phan Thiet

The best time to visit Lotus Ponds In Mui Ne - Phan Thiet - one of the most beautiful lotus lakes in Vietnam is from May to October of the solar calendar. This is the time when the lotus begins to bloom, painting a poetic and lyrical picture in the middle of a hot, unspoiled sandy area. 

Pin all of these interesting places to enjoy a memorable summer with friends and family.

How is The Lotus Used Today?  

Lotus embryo

Lotus embryo is often used to make tea, which is known for its natural cure for insomnia but is not harmful to health. Therefore, drinking lotus embryo tea will help you fall asleep more easily, and at the same time own pink and healthy skin.

Lotus seed

Lotus seeds are a part that is popular with users not only because of the benefits it brings, but also can be used as cooking ingredients: Sweet lotus seed, lotus seed porridge, soup of lotus seed, stewed chicken with lotus seeds,...

Lotus flower

In addition to being used for decoration, lotus flowers used to make tea bring many good uses for the human body: reducing inflammation, regulating menstruation, treating coughs, treating acne, and nourishing the stomach. In addition, the essential oil of white lotus is also used for skin care and massage to help blood circulation.

Lotus leaf

Both fresh and dried lotus leaves have therapeutic effects, which can be mentioned as: insomnia, hemorrhage, hemoptysis, weight loss, prevention of high blood pressure, body purification, etc.

Lotus leaves are frequently used in the north to package distinctive green rice. The capital city of Hanoi's green rice covered in fragrant lotus leaves is the ideal delicacy to savor in the chilly autumn months. Lotus leaves and green rice make a delicious combination that will stay in your memory forever.

Lotus stem

Since ancient times, lotus stem has been an ingredient used by Vietnamese people to make dishes such as lotus stem salad, stir-fried lotus stem, lotus stem soup, etc. In addition, lotus root is used as a dose of oriental medicine, specializing in the treatment of related diseases such as: tonic blood, regulating blood gas, purifying the body, beautifying the skin, supporting digestive problems, reducing stress, etc.

Lotus rhizome

Lotus root is also used as a vegetable in food processing: lotus root soup, lotus root tea, lotus root salad, braised lotus root, lotus root kimchi, etc. Lotus root will help the body strengthen resistance, improve vision, cure constipation, prevent hemorrhoids, treat insomnia, regulate blood pressure, etc.