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.” 
