In Singapore Botanic Gardens Symphony Lake is the Sacred Lotus, a beautiful water plant of religious, culinary and ornamental significance. This one has a red flower. The lotus is a symbol of purity. To the ancient Egyptians, a lotus bud was a symbol of rebirth. For Hindus the Lotus is the source of the essence of Life. For Buddhists the Lotus is a symbol for the development of the individual being towards enlightenment.