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