The Sacred Lotus by Keya Mirani February 2023

Taking a walk-in nature brings many of us a few moments of peace as we admire the beauty all around us. In Asia, one plant in particular has seemingly risen to a higher level than the rest. The lotus, native to India, Eastern Africa, and Southeast Asia, has been deemed sacred by many cultures.










Common Symbolism

The lotus flower has come to represent lots of different things. The most common tie is to the concept of spiritual enlightenment. Like the lotus, we must emerge from murky water and show the world the best of us. 

Other interpretations of the symbolism are personal growth, new beginnings, and purity. Slow and steady for the win. The lotus grows one petal at a time, reminding us that reaching Enlightenment takes gradual steps. Every day really is a new day. The flowers bloom in the morning and close up at night. It shows us visually the cycle of rebirth. Lotus flowers rise from muddy waters everyday and yet they are clean.

Symbolism for Hindus

Hinduism specifically adds other meanings to the abundance given to the lotus. These include: beauty, divinity, fertility, life, and prosperity. Some Hindus also believe in the lotus as a symbol of creation. 

They believe in the Padma lotus as well. Padma is a part of each human being’s soul and it drives them to seek spiritual enlightenment even when the path is riddled with obstacles. 

Gods are also connected to the lotus. Lakshmi is the goddess of prosperity. She is depicted sitting peacefully on a pink lotus. They say that Lakshmi is the example to follow for transcending above material wealth to progress on your own enlightenment journey. Vishnu is called the Lotus-Eyed One. He tried to make an offering of lotus flowers to the god Shiva, but he found that one was missing. So, instead of the lotus he gave his own eye. Brahma also is associated with the lotus.

Maatir’s Committment

Maatir truly believes in its mission of sharing the beauty of India with the world. The lotus is a key motif in Maatir’s collections and in our logo. It is a reminder to reconnect with ourselves and to take notice of the negative influences surrounding us. We can honor our roots by way of the lotus because it has such close connections to the spiritual beliefs here in India, but it is also a universally recognized symbol.

Fun Facts

The lotus flower has the ability to control it’s own temperature much like birds and mammals. 

The yellow center of the lotus holds special significance. The color of enlightenment is yellow. 

The center of the flower in general is significant because it is untainted by the daily exposure to the water. In this way, it is pure. 

The lotus is the national flower of both India and Vietnam. 

There are several uses for the lotus, the most popular being culinary because they have lots of health benefits. All parts of the lotus are edible despite the waxy coating on the flower. 

There are 37 different types of lotus flowers that grow all over the world. Some varieties are even believed to have survived the Ice Age. 

The lotus is known for its delicate appearance and being anything but fragile. We are excited to offer our collection of lotus candles. They create a cozy ambience for meditation as they light up your space. We hope that the lotus will inspire you to show the world your strength.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Spill the Beans by Keya Mirani June, 2023

Image
Whether you depend on your morning cup of coffee or can’t relax without a cup of tea, your habits speak volumes about you. Even things as small as your perfect mug for the occasion. A Brief History An Islamic saint by the name of Baba Budan is credited with bringing coffee to India. He is said to have gone on a pilgrimage to Mecca. On his return journey, he smuggled seven coffee beans into India. He planted them in the hills of Karnataka, in southern India. Since then, India has been cultivating the seeds in the south. During British rule, coffee plantations thrived. South India Very simply put: South Indians are accustomed to drinking filter coffee (or kaapi as it is pronounced in the South). But not just any filter will do. It is called a tumbler and dabarah. It is a metal filter consisting of two nesting cups. The upper cup, the dabarah, holds the ground coffee and has holes to let the liquid drip down. The lower one catches the brewed coffee. Milk and sugar are then boiled together...
Read more

The Basics of Block Printing by Keya Mirani March 2023

Image
The early morning sun filters through the window. The day ahead involves carving and sanding wood, washing long swaths of fabric, and meticulously placing block after block for hours to create a pattern. This is a day in the life of an artisan block printer in Rajasthan.  What Is Block Printing? Block printing is the process of creating a motif in a piece of wood and using it to color a piece of fabric with a repeating pattern. Rajasthan is known for this art form because the work from there is all hand-crafted.  History During the 12th century, block printing was a flourishing local trade in Rajasthan. By the 17th century, the royal Mughal court spread the art form throughout India, increasing its popularity- and demand.  The Mughal-Maratha wars also changed the course of block printing forever. Artisans were allocated lands close to other block printers. As these small villages of master craftsmen kept popping up, different styles of printing were born: Bagru and Sangan...
Read more

Dancing Through the Night Kathakali Style by Keya Mirani April 2023

Image
  Who doesn’t love a play running wild with drama and intense emotions? Welcome to the world of Kathakali where dramas are enacted through dance. Immerse yourself in a show in Kochi, Kerala, the birthplace of Kathakali. What is Kathakali? Katha means story and kali means to play or perform in Sanskrit. Kathakali is a performative religious dance that originated in the south of India. It is a classical art form that became its own distinct genre in the 16th and 17th centuries. Interestingly enough, though it has religious undertones, Kathakali was actually created with the stage in mind. It was developed in courts and theatres and aims to tell a story. Behind the Scenes Kathakali is probably so well-recognized around the world because of its vivid makeup, face masks, and costumes. Typically, the dancers that perform are men or young boys, playing both male and female roles.  A traditional Kathakali performance could start as early as dusk and last until dawn. They would also be...
Read more

It’s Chai Time by Keya Mirani May, 2023

Image
Masala chai is probably the most iconic and popular Indian drink. Indians take their tea seriously- it’s not the national drink for no reason. You can find it on every street corner and even on the trains. The Chai Spot If there is one area of Mumbai in particular known for its chai, it would be Ballard Estate. It is primarily a Parsi area, and they opened several restaurants and cafes. In Mumbai’s early days, Ballard Estate was the business district. Chai quickly became intertwined with the culture here as people could have meetings or simply relax over some tea. It was actually easier to get a cup of chai than a cup of coffee! There are many great spots to grab a hot cup of chai throughout Maharashtra. A famous Maharashtrian cafe is Paneri Amtuttlya. It’s known for offering chai at only 10 rupees a cup. In Nagpur, there is a tea seller known worldwide because of his viral videos. He adds his own style to making tea and always draws a crowd while he works. It’s said he makes a great c...
Read more

Om: The World in a Syllable by Keya Mirani March 2023

Image
Om. One of the most widely known symbols in the world. You might recognize it as the thing you say in a yoga class. But do you know why people use it? The reasons may surprise you. Om as a Symbol Om is a sacred symbol and syllable in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain rituals. Three sounds come together to make the om: a-u-m. They denote many sacred trinities like the qualities of matter which are goodness, passion, and darkness. Others are: thought, speech, and action, past, present, and future, and the Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda. The last of those are the three Vedic texts from between 1500-1200 BCE. They contain the first use of the concept of om. Om as a Syllable The most common way to write om is what is known as Devanagari ligature, though there are slight variations throughout South Asia. There are two curves that look like the number three with an elongated curve protruding from the center. Above that, you will find a dot with a crescent shape underneath it. Each stroke of the syl...
Read more

Mumbai’s Love Story: Ganesha by Keya Mirani April 2023

Image
If you know any Hindu gods and goddesses, you probably know Lord Ganesha with his distinctive elephant head. A little-known fact outside India is that he has a unique connection to the city of Mumbai. The Birth Story Ganesha might be known now, but how did he come into being? The story starts with the Goddess Paravi at the home she and her husband Lord Shiva share on Mt. Kailash. One day, she decides to take a bath while Shiva is away, so she tells Shiva’s bull Nandi to guard the door. When he comes home, Nandi lets him in against Paravi’s wishes. Annoyed, she decides she needs someone loyal to her above anyone else. She takes some wood and the turmeric she was using to bathe with and makes a statue of a boy. She breathes life into this statue, names him Ganesha, and declares him her son. The Elephant Head But, wait! If Ganesha was a boy, why does he have an elephant’s head? Well, yet again, Paravi wants to take a bath in peace. She sends Ganesha out to guard the door. When Shiva comes...
Read more

The Best of Mumbai in 24 Hours by Keya Mirani March 2023

Image
So you’ve found yourself in Mumbai with 24 hours to spare. Whether you are visiting for the first time or the hundredth, Mumbai will surely make you fall in love with its charms. Something is always happening in this vibrant coastal city and there is something for history buffs, foodies, and art enthusiasts alike. Popular Attractions The Gateway of India: where the King and Queen of England were famously welcomed to India. The Bombay High Court, Rajabai Clocktower, and the Oval Maidan are all part of a UNESCO Heritage Site. They mark the start of art deco buildings in Mumbai. The Oval Maidan has sports lovers leave politics and religion at the door- no rallies or functions are allowed here.  Spend some time cruising down Marine Drive. It’s part of what is known as The Queen’s Necklace and is a great spot to watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea. The Sea Link. As crazy as it is to say that a bridge with eight lanes of traffic is an attraction, it’s true. It offers great views of the...
Read more

The Art of Basketry by Keya Mirani February 2023

Image
When you go to the store to grab a handful of items, you may find yourself reaching for a plastic basket. In the days without them, artisans had to make their own baskets. This longstanding tradition of basket weaving can be seen all over world. Basketry Historians have a tough time tracking down the exact origins of basket weaving. This is because natural materials biodegrade easily over time. We do know that it is the oldest as well as the most widely spread handicraft.  The oldest recovered basket was discovered in Faiyum, Egypt. It dates back to about ten to twelve thousand years old based on carbon dating. Other evidence that people have been making baskets since the beginning of time are the imprints in the clay people used when they started making pottery.  India in particular has a very rich culture when it comes to basketry. Each region takes a slightly different material and approach to crafting their baskets. Some things they have in common is the intricacy of the ...
Read more

India: A Tiger’s Playground by Keya Mirani October, 2022

Image
When you first think of India, you may think of the food or the people or seeing the Taj Mahal. But with all the things that make up India, it’s easy to forget that there’s an abundance of wildlife that calls India home. Among these animals are Bengal tigers. Mythology Throughout Hindu mythology, tigers represent courage and strength. These ideals are shown very clearly in the goddess Durga who can be seen riding fearlessly into battle on a tiger. She is depicted with many arms and in each hand, she carries a weapon. The stories say that all of the gods came together to create the goddess. Because of this, her powers are a combination of all the gods. Durga means ‘fortress’ and it’s for this reason that she is called the protector but we can all play a role in protecting the tigers. Project Tiger As an apex predator, tigers are incredibly important for maintaining the biodiversity in India. Sadly, from 1875 to 1925 around 80,000 tigers have been killed to make medicines and to keep ...
Read more

Get Curry-ous by Keya Mirani January, 2023

Image
Curry: the great misconception about Indian food. Throughout the years, curry has been evolving and traveling around the world. Settle in for the story of how curry has come to be such a common dish all throughout India. Origin The story starts in the 1500s in Goa. The Portuguese have landed in India and they looked to the locals for food. They noticed that people were eating rice and vegetables with a thick, spiced sauce or gravy. At this time, black pepper was the spice of choice. But when the Portuguese realized that chillies were cheaper, the swap was quickly made. They also brought with them both potatoes and tomatoes. The British came to India soon after in the 18th century. They also found people eating curries, so they adapted it for their tastes. Being the travelers they are, the British had many colonies around the world.  Just as people are not stationary, neither is food. Wherever they went, the British brought curry with them. People say that the British traveled the w...
Read more