Explanation of the Water Lily as a Symbol of "Purity" and "Rebirth"

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The water lily, which blooms beautifully from muddy waters, is considered a symbol of "purity" and "rebirth" for the following reasons:

1. Blooming from Mud

• The water lily takes root in mud or dirty water at the bottom of ponds, extending its stem to bloom beautiful flowers on the water's surface.

• This image is associated with maintaining purity and growing beautifully amidst difficulties and adversity, thus symbolizing "purity."

2. Symbol of Rebirth

• The water lily repeats the cycle of closing its flowers at night and reopening them in the morning.

• This evokes the ideas of death and rebirth, or recovery from hardship, symbolizing "rebirth."

• Furthermore, the way it sends out new shoots from the mud and blooms beautiful flowers again also symbolizes the regenerative power of life.

3. Connection to Buddhism

• In Buddhism, the lotus flower, which blooms purely from mud, is likened to the state of a person achieving enlightenment amidst worldly desires.

• As the water lily belongs to the same Nymphaeaceae family as the lotus, it carries a similar meaning and is sometimes regarded as a symbol of "purity" and "rebirth."

4. Symbolic Meaning

• The beauty of the water lily symbolizes the importance of maintaining inner purity and beauty even in difficult situations.

• It also represents the strength to overcome adversity and regain radiance, providing people with hope and courage.

For these reasons, the water lily is loved and expressed as a symbol of "purity" and "rebirth" in many cultures and arts.