Blue Water Lily

Did you know

• The sacred blue lily was the most important flower in ancient Egyptian religion, depicted on temple walls.
• It opens its petals at dawn and closes in the afternoon, symbolizing the sun god Ra's daily journey.
• The flower contains mild psychoactive alkaloids and was likely used in ancient Egyptian ritual ceremonies.
• Ancient Egyptians placed blue water lilies in tombs to help guide the deceased to the afterlife.
• It is sometimes confused with the blue lotus, but true lotus flowers belong to the genus Nelumbo.

Color meanings

Uses

• water gardens
• ornamental ponds
• spiritual ceremonies