Water Lily
Japanese Name:
睡蓮
Romaji Name:
suiren
Description
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Water lily (suiren in Japanese) is an aquatic flowering plant that grows in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving waters. It has round, floating green leaves and beautiful flowers that bloom on the water’s surface in colors such as white, pink, yellow, or purple. Water lilies open during the day and close at night, creating a serene and elegant scene. They are often admired in gardens and have symbolic meanings of purity, peace, and enlightenment in many cultures.
History
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Water lilies belong to the plant family Nymphaeaceae, and the scientific name Nymphaea comes from the Greek word "nymph," referring to the water spirits in mythology. This reflects the plant's graceful and mysterious presence on water surfaces.
Water lilies have a long history. They were known in ancient Egypt, where the blue and white water lilies were symbols of creation, rebirth, and the sun. These flowers were often seen in art and placed in tombs. Water lilies were also important in Indian and Asian cultures, where they are often confused with the lotus, a related but different plant.
In Japan, suiren (すいれん) has been appreciated for its quiet beauty, especially in gardens and ponds. Although not as central as the lotus in traditional symbolism, suiren represents peace and purity.