My favorite photography subjects are from nature. The frame of the camera lens helps me see things in ways my naked eye misses. Much of my intrigue and curiosity about natural wonders are the marvelous secrets that are not visible to the eye.
Lotus flowers have held such a secret for centuries. It’s life cycle is unique: Its roots grow in muddy, murky river water where, every night it submerges and miraculously re-blooms the next morning, no residue on its petals.
Science has learned the lotus’ secret for keeping so pristine. It is in their nanostructure: Thousands of nano-sized bumps on the petals, that cause water to pick up the dirt and roll it right off the petals.*
The lotus holds a revered place for Buddhists and Egyptians and considered one of the most sacred flowers today.
There is general consensus among ancient texts that it symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and rebirth with its ability to dip into the grime and revive itself —an incredible daily cycle of life, death, and an immaculate spiritual rebirth.
The lotus is native to India and Vietnam.
Scientists are researching the lotus’ nano-structure to create windows that never have to be washed. Hopefully, the next step will be self-cleaning clothes, sinks, floors, cars . . .
Peggy
“Plants with a double structured surface like the lotus can reach a contact angle of 170°, whereby the droplet’s contact area is only 0.6%. All this leads to a self-cleaning effect.”
Wikipedia
One of my favorite flowers…. In November when we stayed in Bali, I so enjoyed watching the lotus flowers open in the little pond attached to the house we were staying in. Quite incredible how quickly they open and how beautiful they are.
Peta
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Peta,
I agree, they are so beautiful.
Peggy
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Cool. I wish my hair was like that. It makes me dizzy to wash my hair. 🤪
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Wendy,
I know, I would like lots of things to be self cleaning.
Peggy
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Yippee – a new word – ultrafubbledebubble – or whatever you wrote – and please someone get to work on this idea so I can stop washing things and finally become a princess lazing all day around my lotus pond.
The lotus is a gorgeous flower, one I’ve photographed often along with my most favorite photo subject – grandchildren. Who I love muddy or clean.
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Sharon,
The good news is that grandchildren eventually become self cleaning.
Peggy
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Like a lotus flower!
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Yes.
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