The lotus is often identified with oriental religions and cultures. In Hinduism, the purity of lotus is associated with beauty.
In Buddhism, the lotus flower symbolises purity of speech, of the body and of the mind. A legend says that Siddharta left a trail of lotus flowers in his wake with every step that he took. It is therefore associated with spiritual awakening or enlightenment.
It usually represents a birth, a spiritual revelation or purity.