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Understanding Cemetery Symbols: What does a lotus flower represent? #cemetery #history #GraveHour

Understanding Cemetery Symbols by Tui Snider

[The following is an adapted excerpt from my book, Understanding Cemetery Symbols. I hope you enjoy it! Also, full disclosure: that’s an Amazon affiliate link. If you buy my book after clicking it, I make a few pennies at no additional cost to you.]

Lotus flower: an Ancient Egyptian symbol

The lotus flower, also known as the water lily, is an important ancient Egyptian symbol.Since the lotus blooms during the day but closes at night, it symbolized the cycle of life and death. Egyptian columns are often topped with a lotus leaf, as you can see in the photos I shared here.

(c) Tui Snider - water lily a.k.a. lotus flower
(c) Tui Snider – water lily a.k.a. lotus flower

Christians use the lotus flower as a symbol

When adopted by Christians, the lotus refers to the resurrection and eternal life. Like other members of the illy family, this flower also symbolizes purity and innocence.

(c) Tui Snider - Egyptian style columns are often topped with lotus flower designs.
(c) Tui Snider – Egyptian style columns are often topped with lotus flower designs.

 

Sacred symbol for Buddhists, too

The lotus is also a sacred flower to Buddhists. In Buddhism, the lotus bud stands for human potential. If shown with eight petals, it stands for cosmic harmony. If shown with an abundance of petals, it stands for spiritual revelations.

Want to learn more about cemetery symbols?

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Tui Snider
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