<H1>With White Lotus, Love of White Lotus</H1>

The Lotus Flower Festival in Mu-an.

The Lotus flower means “purity” and “pure mind”. It is known as the flower that symbolizes Buddha who tried to save people from the tough and dark world by blooming the pure flowers and strong- looking leaves.

The white lotus.

It’s common to see red lotus flowers around us, but the white flowers are rare to see. Mu-an which is located south part of Korea, however, has the biggest white lotus plant in Korea. I will write about it today. The Mu-an Lotus Festival started in 1997 is the biggest lotus festival which is held annually in Korea. The title of it in this year is “With White Lotus, Love of White Lotus” and the festival lasts 4 days; Aug. 14^th – 17^th 2014.

 The festival lasts 4 days; Aug. 14^th – 17^th 2014.

An ordinary pond has become the huge white lotus plant and it is due to the late Su-dong Jeong. Mr. Jeong planted twelve lotus roots around a reservoir in 1995 when the Korean War had just ended. Just one man’s small affection and effort for the lotus made these beautiful flowers bloom all over the area and also this lovely festival can be held these days.

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Specially, it is held with one of Buddhist denominations called the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order in this year so the event has various experience booths such as lightening lamps, experiencing tea ceremony, and so on. This park is known as the lotus habitat. There are not only lotuses but also many flowers like red lotus, prickly water lily, water snowflake and marsh flower. So, you can enjoy them with the beautiful summer scenery.

There are many flowers which are no use after blooming and falling. However, Lotus has nothing to waste. After the flowers fall from the stem, there are fruits which are rounded hexagonal. You can use them as the natural medicinal ingredients and they can be also used as a piece of decoration in your house. And with the roots of lotus that has many holes, we can make delicious dishes. Furthermore, you can taste lotus leaves as tea and drink which are popular. I like lotus tea because it makes me feel relaxed when drinking it.

In the garden, there are three courses; Beakryeon, Suryeon, and Gasiyeon. Each course has its own story on it, so it is good to walk thinking of their meanings. I hope you could have a good time in Mu-an Lotus Festival.