This is a picture that I took when I went to lotus fields at the sourthern border of Phnom Penh. I went there because my class was assigned to write an article in News Reporting class about Lotus plantation and distribution in Phnom Penh. The lotus fields aorund this area are the main lotus distributors in Phnom Penh. They distribute everyday; especially, once a week when the weekly buddhism ceremonies come. (in Khmer called, Thngay Seil, means Ritual Day)It was very funny at that time because we could get fresh air outside the city, see beautiful view in spring, and smell the very pure smell of the fresh lotus flowers. In the picture above, I was standing in front of a lotus field, wearing a lotus leaf on the head to protect from heat, and holding a white lotus flower.
© Pin Manika
This is the overall view of a white lotus field, and that group of people is my classmates. In here you can see a lot of small white lotus flower. There are two type of lotus flowers in Cambodia, red pink and white lotus. Actually, the lotus flowers in the picture above were white, but because they were still small. So, they were still in green, and when they bloom, they will become purely white. At that day, the lotus flowers were not yet bloom. So, they were not yet ready for harvest. The farmer had to waited around 5 or 7 more days for them to grow bigger. Lotus flowers are the most popular flowers in Cambodia, since they are use for almost every ceremonies. Lotus flower in Cambodia and Buddhism reparesents Purity because this flower is growing from mud, but it still has a very pure, fresh, and good smell.All of the lotus leaves, flowers, and fruits are grown from mud, but they do not have any mud on them after they grow up. One big lotus flower will cost 200 riels($0.05).
© Pin Manika
There are also louts friuts as well, and they are very delicious and sweet!!! Hope that one day you guys would be able to come to Cambodia to taste Khmer lotus fruits and smell Khmer lotus flowers. Wish you all the best. See you guys soon! Take care!!!
