What flower is the national symbol of India. Lotus as a symbol of Indian culture. Sacred plants of the Slavs

National flower.

The national flower of India is the lotus (nelumbo nucifere). This sacred flower occupies a unique place in the art and mythology of ancient India. Since time immemorial it has been considered lucky symbol Indian culture.

Lotus is a sacred flower, a symbol of beauty, purity, desire for the sun and light. This image permeates all Egyptian art, from the lotus-shaped capitals of temple columns to miniature toilet vessels and jewelry.

In various traditions, the realization of potential is depicted as the blossoming of a flower on the surface of the waters; in the West it is a rose or lily, in the East it is a lotus. The cosmic lotus appears as an image of creation, the emergence of the world from the primordial waters or from the void; this is a special universal principle that governs the world and the life developing in it.

This symbol has solar and lunar aspects; he is equally close to water and fire, the chaos of darkness and divine light. The Lotus is the result of the interaction of the creative forces of the Sun and the lunar forces of water, it is the Cosmos that rose from the watery chaos, like the Sun that rose at the beginning of time, “the world of developing life in a whirlwind of rebirths” (J. Campbell). This time is past, present and future, since every plant has buds, flowers and seeds at the same time.

Opening at dawn and closing at sunset, the lotus personifies the rebirth of the Sun, and therefore any other rebirth, renewal of vitality, return of youth, immortality.

The lotus symbolizes human life, as well as the Universe, while its root, immersed in muddy soil, represents matter, the stem stretching through the water represents the soul, and the flower facing the Sun is a symbol of spirit. The lotus flower is not wetted by water, just as the spirit is not stained by matter, therefore the lotus represents eternal life, immortal nature of man, spiritual revelation.

Creation, birth and the Sun as the source of life were associated with the image of the lotus. This great flower blossomed, rising from the depths of the primordial waters, and carried on its petals the existence embodied in the image of the solar deity, the golden child: from the lotus the sun god Ra is born. The Rising Sun was also often represented as Horus, which rises from a lotus, representing the Universe. The lotus flower could serve as the throne of Osiris, Isis and Nephthys.

The lotus symbolized the renewal of vitality and the return of youth, for the old god dies to be reborn young. The image of the deceased holding a lotus flower speaks of resurrection from the dead, awakening on the spiritual plane.

As a symbol of prosperity and fertility, the lotus was an attribute of the Memphis god of vegetation Nefertum, who was depicted as a young man wearing a headdress in the form of a lotus flower. In the Pyramid Texts it is called "the lotus from the nose of Ra." Every morning the god Nefertum rises from the lotus and every evening descends into the water of the sacred lake.

In Ancient India, the lotus acts as a symbol of creative power, as an image of the creation of the world. The lotus was seen as a symbol of the Universe, a reflection of the earth that floats like a flower on the surface of the ocean. The open cup of the flower, located in the middle, is the mountain of the gods Meru.

In the Upanishads, Vishnu becomes the creator and preserver of the world. He is the beginning, middle and end of the whole world. When Vishnu wakes up, a lotus flower grows from his navel, and Brahma, the creator of the worlds, is born in it. In the center of Vishnu's heavenly paradise flows the heavenly Ganges, Vishnu's palace is surrounded by five lakes with blue, white and red lotuses that sparkle like emeralds and sapphires.

Vishnu’s wife, Lakshmi, the goddess of happiness, wealth and beauty, is associated with the lotus. According to one of the myths, when the gods and asuras were churning the ocean, Lakshmi emerged from it with a lotus in her hands. According to other ideas, Lakshmi arose at the very beginning of creation, emerging from the primordial waters on a lotus flower; hence her names Padma or Kamala (“lotus”). The lotus throne is an attribute of most Hindu and most revered Buddhist deities.

In Buddhism, the lotus symbolizes the primordial waters, spiritual unfoldment, wisdom and nirvana. The Lotus is dedicated to Buddha, the “Pearl of the Lotus”, who emerged from the Lotus in the form of a flame. This is the image of purity and perfection: growing out of dirt, he remains pure - just like Buddha, born into the world. Buddha is considered the heart of the lotus, he sits on a throne in the form of a fully opened flower.

In addition, in Buddhism, the appearance of the lotus is associated with the beginning of a new cosmic era. The full bloom of the lotus represents the wheel of the continuous cycle of existence and is a symbol of Kuan Yin, Maitreya Buddha and Amitabha. In the Buddhist paradise, as in the paradise of Vishnu, in ponds made of jewelry, “amazing lotuses of different colors bloom.”

Symbols of India

The national flag (approved by the Constitutional Assembly on July 22, 1947) is horizontal tricolor: saffron (orange) at the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom. equal proportions. The Indian name of the flag is triranga (lit. “tricolor”). Length and width – 3 x 2. In the center of the white stripe is a dark blue chakra. Chakra - the wheel of Law - Dharma, was the emblem of Emperor Ashoka from the Mauryan dynasty, who ruled in the 3rd century. BC e. The number of spokes of the wheel - 24 - corresponds to the number of hours in a day and symbolizes the forward movement of the country. The colors of the flag represent: courage and sacrifice - orange, peace and truth - white, faith and valor - green, vigilance, devotion, steadfastness - blue.

The National Emblem (approved on 26 January 1950) is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka's pillar from Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh. In the original, at the top of the capital there are four lions standing back to back. The frieze depicts an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull and a lion, separated by wheels and standing on a lotus. This capital, made of a single block of polished sandstone, is surmounted by the wheel of the law (dharma chakra). The national emblem adopted by the Government of India features only three lions. The wheel is located in the center of the upper part of the capital, to the right of it is a bull, and to the left is a horse. The outlines of the wheels are visible on the right and left. Under the capital, in Devanagari script, are written the words “Satyameva Jayate” from the Mundaka Upanishad - lit. "Only truth will prevail."

The national anthem (approved on January 24, 1950) is Rabindranath Tagore's song "Jana-gana-mana". Originally written in Bengali. Sung in Hindi translation. It was first heard on December 27, 1911 at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress (INC).

Other country symbols

The national song is Vande Mataram, written in Sanskrit by Bonkimchandra Chatterjee. Inspired Indians to fight for independence. Acquired the same status as “Jana-gana-mana”. First performed in 1896 at a session of the INK.

The national animal is the tiger (Panthera tigris, Hindi - Sher). Body length – 2.6–3 m, weight 135–230 kg. Population – 3500–3750 individuals (constantly decreasing). The Royal Bengal Tiger is one of eight known species tigers are found throughout the country, except in the northwestern regions. To control the number of tigers, Project Tiger was launched in April 1973, within the framework of which 27 tiger reserves were created in India over an area of 40 thousand km 2. The most likely places to see a tiger are in the Ranthambhor (Rajasthan) and Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh) reserves.

The national bird is the peacock (Pavo cristatus). Found throughout India. Protected by the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

The national flower is the lotus (Nelumbo nucifere). This sacred flower occupies a unique place in the art and mythology of India, considered a symbol of happiness.

The national fruit is mango (mango tree – Mangifera indica). We love and are popular not only for their fragrant fruits. Mango leaves hung in front of the entrance to the house bestow prosperity and prosperity.

The national tree is the banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis). Banyan has unique shape growth - it gives aerial roots, which, upon reaching the ground, take root and thicken. As the banyan tree grows, it sends out more and more roots, and this tree-forest can have several thousand trunks! It was under this tree that Buddha achieved complete enlightenment.

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Everyone knows how much Hindus revere nature. Moreover, not only animals, but also plants are considered sacred in this country. We’ll talk about which ones exactly in this article. We’ll also figure out what kind of revered plants there are in general. different countries peace.

Sacred Ashwattha tree

This is a little-known plant in our country, but a sacred plant in India. Here it is a symbol. Residents of this country believe that the branches of this plant can drive away evil spirits from a person, and its leaves fulfill wishes. In ancient times, Ashwattha wood was used to make ritual bowls. Research scientists know of two archaic motifs associated with this plant. The first represents a person on aswatthi trying to get the fruit. This was considered a symbol of religious knowledge. Also in ancient times, Hindus often depicted a horse next to the mentioned plant. It is believed that it was under this asvatthi that a revelation descended on the Buddha.

Tulasi

One more thing is revered in a row interesting plant- tulsi (basil). He is worshiped as the wife of Vishnu. According to legend, she was once the wife of one of the demons. Vishnu himself turned it into basil. Subsequently, he married her. It is a tulsi plant with ovate green leaves. Among other things, it is also used as a medicinal herb.

Rosaries were often made from this sacred plant, since, according to legend, it drives away all misfortunes from a person and evil forces. Tulsi is a plant that is described in one of the Indian epics. One day, a sage revered by the people accidentally tore his rosary made from basil and asked a servant to repair it. Tom had no time, and he promised to do it the next day. However, the sage ordered him to repair them immediately. “If you knew how dangerous it is to be in this world without them, you would tremble with fear,” he said.

Udumbara and Nyagroha

Udumbara is a sacred plant in India, revered as a symbol of abundance. Once upon a time, thrones for kings, various kinds of amulets and bowls were made from it. Udumbara bears fruit three times a year, hence its sacred meaning.

Nyagroha is one of the varieties of fig tree. Its interesting feature is that it produces flowers that, upon reaching the ground, germinate to form new trunks. The result is that one crown grows on a whole grove of trunks at once. According to legend, Vishnu himself once chose this sacred plant. In India, it is believed that this god floats in the middle of the primordial ocean precisely on a leaf of the mentioned tree.

sacred lotus

This is the most revered plant in Buddhist countries, a symbol of religion. Hindus believe that the human soul, as it develops, blossoms like this flower. The darkness of the silt where this plant originates is considered a symbol of the material world. Making its way through the thickness of the water, the lotus shows the world a real spiritual transformation. If we talk about the topic " Sacred plants Egypt", then here we also meet this flower. The inhabitants of this country give it the same sacred meaning as the Hindus. How sacred lotus, a person, having discarded everything superficial, having made his way through the jungle of life’s vicissitudes, must take the path of flourishing and self-improvement. This flower is also the national symbol of India itself.

Rose

This is another sacred plant in India. There is a legend according to which a person who brought a rose to the king had the right to fulfill any desire. The princesses of India often walked through fragrant gardens, cut by grooves in which rose water flowed.

Revered plants by the Incas

Of course, not only Hindus have a tradition of venerating various kinds of plants. Representatives of the flora were also worshiped by other peoples of the world. A sacred plant of the Incas, for example, coca. Once upon a time, representatives of this American people used it in their religious rituals and attributed to it a variety of magical properties. The ancient peoples who inhabited the Andes used it not only for ritual purposes, but also as a currency, to treat diseases, and even for chewing. It appears with straight thin branches and is currently used as a raw material for the preparation of cocaine. In the middle of the last century, a WHO committee decided to recognize coca chewing as a substance abuse disorder. After this, the plant began to be eradicated everywhere. The widely known Coca-Cola drink contains some non-psychoactive alkaloids from the leaves of the mentioned culture.

Sacred plants of the Slavs

Our ancestors also had a tradition of honoring trees. Thus, the oak was considered Perun’s tree of strength and was never cut down even for a cornfield. It was he who symbolized the Slavic peoples. In addition, the oak was considered a reflection of the Upper World and a tree of longevity. In sacred groves he was often dominant. Celebrations and meals were held under the oak trees. A staff was carved from this tree for the tribal leader, passed down by inheritance.

The Slavs used hazel branches to drive away evil spirits, and the willow was considered a talisman tree. Sacred plants of the Slavs are also hops and chamomile. The first, of course, was the patron of festivities, and the second was a symbol of love and fidelity (loves - does not love). Weeping grass was also highly revered by our ancestors. It was used as a talisman and for searching for treasures. It was believed that it “strengthens” good luck. The Slavs considered the birch a symbol of the Beginning of Life.

Vitex sacred

This plant, often used as a medicinal plant in our time, is popularly called the Tree of Abraham. Among the Jews, the plant is revered as the bestower of youth. According to legend, the forefather of all Jews, Abraham, once rested under it. To achieve the rejuvenation effect, you just need to sit under it, inhaling the aroma of its flowers. IN different times Priests made staffs from the branches and trunks of this bush.

All its parts are medicinal and are used in folk medicine and cosmetology. The fresh juice of this plant is used to cure ailments such as impotence and depression. Decoctions are drunk to get rid of various kinds of skin problems and as a contraceptive. In addition, they treat diseases of the spleen, liver, mastopathy, fibroids and infertility. This plant can also be used to relieve tired legs. To do this, its leaves are placed in shoes. It is not recommended to give infusions and decoctions from any parts of this plant to children under 12 years of age.

Sacred vitex is in demand not only in medicine, but also in cooking. For example, in Arab countries this bush is called “fierce pepper” and is used as a seasoning for meat and fish dishes.

Almost every nation in the world has revered plants. Perhaps in our time they are not given that sacred meaning, as in ancient times, but they are still not forgotten and loved. In India and others eastern countries and today songs and poems are composed about the lotus, and one of the symbols of our country is the white birch tree.

Today, my eldest son, returning from school, asked me, “What is Russia’s national flower?!”

It turns out that at school they were told what national symbols India has, so he asked. I was embarrassed, confused, and he kept asking! About a tree, an animal, a bird, a fruit...

I think that the animal is a symbol of Russia - a bear? But other?

I set myself a goal, searched and searched, but found nothing... As for India, the national bird is the peacock, the tree is the banyan tree, the animal is the Bengal tiger, the fruit is the mango, and the flower is the lotus.

Lotus, by the way, is national flower not only for India. This plant is so popular among Asians that it is also revered in Vietnam and Thailand.

I just don’t know if they eat it there, otherwise my Indians have already fed me lotus seeds from the same seed pods that florists use to decorate bouquets more than once))

I don’t know how to determine their ripeness, I haven’t collected them myself, but eating them is simple - break them, take out the grains, remove the peel and eat, you don’t even need to cook! And the roots of the lotus are edible, but I haven’t gotten to them yet))

In Manipur, where my husband is from, there is even a whole lake of lotuses, but I have only seen it in photographs. Imagine what the aroma must be like there!