280 FLORAL EMBLEMS. 



The lotus is an object of supreme venera- 

 tion in all the mythological systems of the 

 east especially in that of the Hindus. 



The sacred name of this plant is Pedma, 

 and it is pretended that Brahma was born in 

 a lotus, when he created the world, wherefore 

 it is regarded as the symbol of creative power. 



" And thy own pedma, roseate flower of light, 

 Emblem and cradle of creative might." 



C. Grant. 



" This plant, (says Mr. Knight,) being pro- 

 ductive of itself, and vegetating from its own 

 matrice, without being fostered in the earth, 

 was naturally adopted as the symbol of the 

 productive power of waters, upon which the 

 active spirit of the creator operated, in giving 

 life and vegetation to matter." 



