The Lotus

I always enjoy creating unique ceremonies for the couples that choose me as their Celebrant. I know I have a lot to offer, but I continue to be excited about what I learn from them as well.

Many people today, in our expanding and diverse world, draw inspiration from various places, finding commonalities, and understanding that many paths can lead to the same place.This past weekend I had a fabulous couple that chose the lotus as a symbol for their ceremony. It comes from Buddhism, and although they weren’t practicing Buddhists they had family roots in the tradition and were interested in spirituality from Eastern culture.

The lotus is considered one of the most poignant representations of Buddha’s teaching.

This is why:

The roots of a lotus are in mud, its stem grows up through the water, but the heavily scented flower lies pristinely above the water, basking in the sunlight. This pattern of growth represents the progress of the soul: from the primeval mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment. Although there are other water plants that bloom above the water, it is only the lotus, which, owing to the strength of its stem, regularly rises eight to twelve inches above the surface.

I hope you can see why this imagery and symbolism could easily express a couple’s love and spiritual journey.

We also included words from the Christian tradition and a ritual of wine sharing. The families participated in the ceremony in various ways and it was beautiful and moving, but also fun and joyous, too! Congratulations to Christy and Dave.