Lotus Flowers Have Different Meanings Depending on Their Color (2024)

You've seen them floating in a pond before. The beautiful lotus flower can grow in cloudy and muddy waters, which have made them a source of beauty due to the juxtaposition. An unlikely place, the lotus flower, being surrounded by murky water have regarded them as a great symbol of a lot of things, not to mention a source of curiosity.

In the literal sense, the lotus is a flower that is dormant during cold winter months, and appears in the spring. If you're in a tropical climate, it can grow year round. You can grow a lotus in a water garden, but you can also grow it in soil.

Interestingly, when you Google "lotus flower," the most popular questions are not about growing them. The most asked revolve around what does it symbolize, why is it sacred, and what is it good for. That immediately piqued our interest, so we sought some expert advice from pros who've studied the lotus flower, and applied its energy, history, and symbolism in their teachings and life.

The history of the lotus flower:

Johanna Augusta, a professional numerologist who blogs about numerology and spirituality at MinistryofNumerology.com, explains that the lotus is an ancient symbol of purity, beauty, and spiritual enlightenment. "In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the lotus is often used as a metaphor for the soul's journey toward nirvana," she adds. "Many cultures also associate the lotus flower with the sun and fire element."

It represents purity, spiritual enlightenment, and new beginnings, says Augusta, who has studied the meaning and symbolism behind the lotus flower extensively. Augusta's grandmother grew lotuses in her garden, and the flower has always been a source of inspiration for her.

Lotus flower symbolism across cultures:

According to Ms. IGee of Higher Vibes Online, a spiritual influencer with specialties in astrology, tarot card reading, crystals, healing, ancestry, and spirit guides, the lotus flower is respected and regarded across various Eastern traditions. It's a symbol of royalty and integrity. The lotus, also known as "padma" (a nickname in Tibet and Sanskrit), grows naturally, typically in ponds, muddy waters, and other calm bodies of water.

"The sacrality of the lotus flower originated in Vietnam by Buddhist and Hindu culture, and even some ancient Chinese cultures," IGee points out. "The sacredness is due to its ability to blossom through scummy murky water and evolve itself into a beautiful unique flower," IGee explains. "Due to its beautiful transformation under what most consider dire circ*mstances, the lotus has been long regarded as a symbol of purity, resurrection, rebirth, sanity, enlightenment, and triumph over obstacles that most are unable to overcome."

In addition to how the lotus flower is portrayed in Hinduism and Buddhism, in ancient Egyptian culture, the lotus was associated with the sun and fire element, while in Chinese culture, it can also represent of purity, beauty, and harmonious relationships, says Augusta.

Lotus flower meaning in spirituality and religion:

To Linda Lauren, fourth generation psychic medium and creator of The Vibe Spray who specializes in helping clients with meditation, Reiki healing and psychic medium services, the lotus flower, in practice, can be connected to yoga and meditation. "The flower grows through the mud, and this has been taken to mean that we can rise above our darkest challenges and desperate hours," she explains. "So, I have used the flower and its symbol to get to the heart of my inner thoughts and emotions during meditation."

When Lauren discusses the lotus flower in reference to meditation, the image that is thought of is the heart of the flower. "The heart within us, can be visualized as a lotus flower unfolding at the center of the chest," she adds. "Often, when teaching guided meditation, I use the lotus pedals as a means to enter the meditative state of calm."

IGee reminds that the lotus flower does not have ties to one specific religion or spiritual belief. That's what's so great about it. "It is a sacred symbol used to draw inspiration for all people of all backgrounds," IGee points out. "The lotus flower should be honored in its natural state but can be uprooted and replanted for our personal symbolism that states living life with unwavering faith."

Meanings behind different lotus flower colors:

The lotus flower comes in many colors, which come with a different meaning:

• White : Also considered "womb of the world" (like a baby), the white lotus — not to be confused with the popular HBO series — signifies purity, grace, beauty, wealth, knowledge and fertility.
• Pink: Typically referenced in Buddhism, the pink lotus symbolizes Buddha's earthly symbol. When a pink lotus is a closed bud, it means a spiritual journey. When it's open in bloom, it means enlightenment.
• Yellow: A yellow lotus flower symbolizes curiosity, openness, and hospitality.
• Red: A red lotus flower signifies compassion, sympathy, and passion. Think of it like a red rose. It's your heart.
• Blue: A rare lotus, a blue one of its kind represents wisdom.
• Purple: Also rare, the purple lotus (often referenced in Buddhism) symbolizes balance within yourself, and self-enlightenment.

How to respect the lotus flower

As we've said in this story, the lotus is a sacred flower. So, it should be treated with respect and care. There are many ways to do this, plus also ways to harness the power and energy of the lotus.

"One way is to meditate on its symbolism and meaning," Augusta suggests. "Another way is to grow your own lotus flowers or even just appreciate them in their natural environment."

"You can also use the lotus as a symbol of hope and inspiration in your own life," Augusta says. Perhaps you can also display the lotus as decor in your home.

"Finally, you can create art or write poetry inspired by the lotus flower," Augusta explains. "Whatever way you choose to connect with the lotus, allow it to be a source of beauty, peace, and spiritual guidance in your life."

The bottom line:

Whether you're religious or not and whether you have a lot of knowledge on the lotus flower or not — deriving from the Buddhist meaning — the lotus flower signifies purity, rebirth, and strength. "It is all about new beginnings and starting fresh as our senses become awakened to something new," says Lauren. "In Hinduism it’s about fertility, prosperity, and eternity." Both have a positive spiritual intention. You just have to figure out what your spiritual connection is to this sacred flower. Ask yourself, what does the lotus flower mean to you as an individual, and let that guide your energy.

And regardless of which way you take it, remember this: "The lotus and its descendants deserve the utmost care and respect and the lotus will return our devotion tenfold."