Lotus (Spiritual, poetic and delicious)

Lotuses have long been a symbol of purity, resilience, and elegance in Chinese culture, often appearing in classical Chinese poetry. Here are a few famous examples of poems that celebrate the lotus:

1. "Ode to the Lotus Flower" by Zhou Dunyi (宋·周敦頤)

This is perhaps the most iconic work about the lotus in Chinese literature.

愛蓮說 (Ài Lián Shuō) 予獨愛蓮之出淤泥而不染，濯清漣而不妖，中通外直，不蔓不枝，香遠益清，亭亭淨植，可遠觀而不可褻玩焉。

Translation : I love the lotus for its ability to emerge from the mud untainted, to be washed clean yet not appear seductive. It grows upright, with its interior empty and exterior straight, not clinging or trailing. Its fragrance spreads afar, and it stands with dignity, pure and elegant. It is a flower to be admired from a distance, not to be handled lightly.

This essay is widely admired for its philosophical depth and its metaphorical use of the lotus to represent integrity and moral purity.

2. "Lotus Picking Song" by Anonymous (古詩《採蓮曲》)

This anonymous folk song celebrates the joy of lotus picking:

採蓮曲 (Cǎi Lián Qǔ) 江南可採蓮，蓮葉何田田。 魚戲蓮葉間，魚戲蓮葉東，魚戲蓮葉西，魚戲蓮葉南，魚戲蓮葉北。

Translation : In the southern rivers, lotuses can be picked, their leaves so lush and dense.Fish dart and play among the lotus leaves,Swimming east of the leaves, west of the leaves,South of the leaves, and north of the leaves.

This lighthearted poem captures the idyllic scene of lotus leaves and the carefree joy of life in nature.

3. "A Lotus in the Sun" by Li Bai (李白)

古風·青荷蓋綠水 (Gǔ Fēng: Qīng Hé Gài Lǜ Shuǐ) 青荷蓋綠水，芙蓉披紅鮮。 下有並根藕，上有並頭蓮。

Translation: Green lotus leaves shade the water, and the blooms are adorned in fresh red.Below, their roots grow intertwined; above, twin blossoms share one stem.

This verse expresses the harmony and unity represented by the lotus, a frequent theme in Chinese poetry.

4. "Appreciating Lotus Flowers" by Yang Wanli (楊萬里)

Yang Wanli, a poet of the Song dynasty, often wrote about nature. Here’s one of his poems on the lotus:

小池 (Xiǎo Chí) 泉眼無聲惜細流，樹陰照水愛晴柔。 小荷才露尖尖角，早有蜻蜓立上頭。

Translation: A spring quietly treasures its gentle flow; shadows of trees love the soft sunlight on the water. The young lotus barely shows its tender tip, yet a dragonfly has already landed atop it.

This short and vivid poem captures the delicate beauty of a budding lotus and its connection to nature.

5."Leaving Jingci Temple at Dawn, Sending Off Lin Zifang" by Yang Wanli

《晓出净慈寺送林子方》 毕竟西湖六月中， 风光不与四时同。 接天莲叶无穷碧， 映日荷花别样红。

Translation:

In the sixth month, the scenery of West Lake, Differs from the beauty of the other seasons. Lotus leaves stretch endlessly to touch the sky, Beneath the sun, lotus flowers shine a unique red.

Explanation

This poem vividly captures the summer beauty of West Lake, one of China's most famous scenic spots. The endless green of the lotus leaves and the radiant red of the flowers reflect the unparalleled charm of the season. Yang Wanli uses simple yet powerful imagery to convey the freshness and vitality of nature, evoking a sense of awe and admiration for the natural world.

Symbolism of the Lotus in Chinese Poetry:

• Purity and Integrity: The lotus grows in muddy waters but emerges clean, symbolizing the ability to remain virtuous in difficult circumstances.
• Elegance and Beauty: Its graceful posture and pleasing fragrance are often compared to noble individuals or idealized beauty.
• Resilience and Renewal: As a plant that blooms in summer and is resilient, it symbolizes strength and the ability to thrive in adversity.

The lotus remains a beloved theme in Chinese literature, art, and philosophy for its rich symbolism and natural beauty.

From roots, to new branches, leaves, flowers and seeds, these parts of lotus all well appreciated by Chinese in traditional dishes fresh or dried.

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