RE: Contest - week 5 - “Share and comment on your image.” Winner week 4
This is red water lily, locally known as Shapla which is more than just a beautiful flower. It holds a deep cultural and emotional connection for Bangladesh since it is the national flower of the country. It floats gracefully on calm waters and represents purity, resilience, and the quiet strength of nature.
What makes Shapla truly special is its harmony between beauty and utility. Beyond its visual charm, it is a part of traditional Bengali cuisine. It is enjoyed by many as a nutritious and beloved food. This rare combination of aesthetic elegance and everyday relevance makes the flower even more meaningful.
Seeing this flower instantly reminds the images of rural Bangladesh, peaceful ponds, and a simple life which is closely connected to nature. This is not just a flower, but a symbol of identity, heritage, and tradition. It’s a reminder that some of the most powerful symbols are rooted in simplicity and authenticity.
I have heard and read about this flower. I like how they release it on the surface of the water and then it springs up with so much glamour.
I imagine it is an Asian plant because where I have seen it is in documentaries from China.
Yes, you’re absolutely right. It is indeed an Asian aquatic flower and is found in many parts of Asia, including China, India, and Bangladesh. What you described is one of its most fascinating traits, how it gently rests on the water and then rises with such natural elegance.