The lotus flower was a potent symbol to the ancient Egyptians. A symbol of Upper Egypt, there were two types of lotus flowers; the white and the blue lotus (although scientifically, the latter is deemed a water lily). The flower, which significantly bloomed during the day and closed at night, was a symbol of re-birth and regeneration. It was, like many such symbols, linked to the journey of the sun as it travelled across the sky during the day and waned at night. Due to this symbolism and it’s association with Upper Egypt, it was often depicted, on funerary art or as an amulet to be worn.
The lotus was linked to a variety of dieties, including Nefertem who was often depicted with a blue lotus and Harpocrates, who was depicted as a child on a lotus flower.
To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings.
