The lotus flower has a profound connection with traditional Chinese culture. In this country the lotus is often referred to as the “Gentleman among Flowers”. This graceful water plant has a large number of affectionate nicknames such as: Chinese Lotus, Lotus Flower, Furong Flower, the Flora of June, Green Lotus or simply Lotus. It is often used to symbolise female beauty, purity and elegance. Chinese people have appreciated the flower since ancient times as it “rises from dirt without being polluted”. This characteristic is highly respected in traditional Chinese culture. Chinese folklore also has many other favourable ways to refer to the lotus. “Bing Di Lian”, literally “twin lotus flowers on one stalk”, for instance, is often used to represent “a devoted married couple”. “Lian”, or Lotus, sounds similar to another Chinese word “Lian”, which means “clean and pure” and is also used to represent a person with similar characteristics.