Kamala Harris’ Name Is Inspired by the Lotus Flower
By Jill Brooke
Did you know that Kamala Harris is named after a flower?
Yes, it’s true.
The first female Vice President in U.S. history explains that her name means “lotus flower” in Sanskrit.
“It’s a symbol of significance in Indian culture,” says Harris. “A lotus grows underwater, it’s flowers rising above the surface while the roots are planted firmly in the river bottom.”
The lotus flower is beloved in many cultures. Even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the lotus flower can emerge as a beautiful flower. That is why it also is a symbol of purity and enlightenment.
As Jennifer Williamson pointed out, “The lotus flower is a reminder of the beauty that comes from change, the magic that a new beginning brings, and the seed of potential that’s buried in the most unlikely places.” Or as the animated movie character Mulan pointed out, “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.”
The lotus has an inspiring life cycle, opening with the rising sun and closing its petals as the sun sets, submerging itself under the water to emerge clean and “reborn” each morning.
But, as writers have expressed, what may even be more remarkable about this flower is its durability. “Its seeds are able to create new plants even after thousands of years and the plants themselves can survive under many harsh climatic conditions such as being submerged under ice or blooming under extreme heat. While they prefer certain soils, these seemingly delicate flowers can thrive under a number of soil conditions. And, once mature, the lotus plant can live a long time with some species approaching the century mark.” No wonder it is such a symbol for resilience and strength.
It is not a surprise that many religions are inspired by this flower. Its translucent petals invite reflection as a light source seems to radiate from within. It is also no small feat that it can rise from the dark mud without any hint of being stained or dirtied.
Lotus flowers have meaning in several religions in addition to Hinduism and Buddhism. Plus it’s the national flower of Vietnam. I love how a writer stated that the lotus flower is a representation of the womb of the universe – where all things are born. Yet the flower also symbolizes how to live. It is an enduring symbol for overcoming adversity and retaining purity of heart, resilience, purpose and luminance.
Aside from a lotus flower, Kamala also is a name linked to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of good fortune. Clearly, she has been given rare opportunities that are special by any measurement.
With President Joe Biden now passing on the presidential baton to a new generation, Kamala Harris is the Democratic candidate to run for President in 2024. Already talented digital creators have created art work inspired by both Kamala Harris and the lotus.
Proudly bi-racial – Harris’ mother Shyamala Gopalan was an immigrant from India who became a cancer researcher and her father Donald Harris was a Stanford economics professor who was born in Jamaica – Harris is known as someone who adores flowers.
Her mother says she named her daughter Kamala because “a culture that worships goddesses produces strong women.” In fact, Kamala ’s middle name is Devi which also means the goddess since her mom encouraged Kamala and her sister Maya to believe in female empowerment.
To acknowledge her Indian roots when she married her husband Douglas Emhoff in 2014, she placed a flower garland around her new husband’s neck and to respect his Jewish faith, she also stomped on a glass as part of his traditions.
The symbolism of flowers and the lotus may be needed as she forges ahead with this next chapter and challenge of her life.
But then again, as Thich Nhat Hanh pointed out, “No mud, no lotus.”
Video produced by Jake Aryeh
Jill Brooke is a former CNN correspondent, Post columnist and editor-in-chief of Avenue and Travel Savvy magazine. She is an author and the editorial director of FPD and a contributor to Florists Review magazine. She also won the 2023 AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers.) Merit Award for showing how flowers impact history, news and culture