Lotus flower, a birthday flower of July 3rd

Among the birthday flowers of July 3rd is the Lotus Flower. The Lotus Flower is one of Japan's most iconic summer flowers and they are in bloom right now around Japan. They typically bloom in July and August, but you can usually find some in bloom in the second half of June too. It is also the birthday flower of July 8th, August 15th and September 26th.

In the 'hanakotoba' Japanese language of flowers, lotus flowers meanings include a 'pure heart', 'estranged love', 'eloquence' and 'sacred'. These meanings come from the plant's nature. The lotus grows from mud yet produces a perfectly clean, elevated bloom, inspiring the association with both pure heart and eloquence. The latter traces back to Egyptian mythology too.

In Japan, the lotus also plays a vital role in Buddhist symbolism and, separate to the birthday flowers, has a day of its own marking its significance. You can find information about that on City-cost too. Within Buddhism it is a symbol of wisdom and compassion.