Lotus Symbol in Vietnamese Culture

Lotus flowers play an important role and special position in both

Vietnamese spirit and culture. From long time ago up to now, lotus
flowers have been in Vietnamese people’s hearts, life and culture.
Contemplating lotus flowers, we can see and realize images of
Vietnamese people.

Although it grows in mud, it is not be polluted. But in contrast, it can

change its living environment; every where it grows, it turns turbid water
into clear one. Lotus flowers have both scent and beauty, but the scent of
lotus is not too strong, so it shows a noble spirit. In addition, lotus
flowers have their hidden beauty with pink petals and yellow pistil.
Especially, 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 spreading under sunlight, blooming, and emit its scent in
surrounding space.
Hometown of the late president Ho Chi Minh names Lotus Village and
behalf lotus flowers are most beautiful when it is compared with the
image of Uncle Ho- the beloved elderly father and leader of Vietnam.

In Vietnam, subjects of lotus appeared very early in visual arts, namely

decorated items in worshipping places or public cultural works. Lotus
flowers are reflected in many different layouts and perspectives and
appear constantly along the length of the national history through
architectural works.
Lotus flowers in Vietnamese culture and cuisine:

From influence on spiritual life, Vietnamese people have taken the lotus
to the top of cuisine culture. All parts of lotus flowers are processed into
typical dishes such as lotus stem salad, lotus seed jam and lotus tea. Lotus
flowers in Tinh Tam lake of the Old Hue Capital are served for kings in
the past. People made lotus-scented tea at night. The time lotus flowers
just unveiled its pistil is when heaven and earth are reconciled. Tea is
placed inside lotus flower and then tied in order to be forced not to bloom
out, after a night after; tea will absorb the full lotus flavor.

Up to now, international friends know Vietnam with the first image

“golden lotus flower” on their flights of Vietnamairlines; the image
represents enlightenment and perfection; simple but noble and sacred;
charming and gentle but still dignified and serious, representing
courageous Vietnam people but friendly and open-hearted.
(source hanoionlie)