Sacred Lilys and Lotus

The difference between a Lily and a Lotus is a Lily's leaves will touch the surface of the water while the Lotus is well above the surface; many have miss named Lilys for Lotus and Lotus for Lilys on the net. Both are fairly hardy plants that grow in many different climates and are both day and night blooming. There are many cultivators that specialize in producing both Lilys and Lotus for certain sizes and colors all of which have similar psychoactive properties; two alkaloids from Lily's are thought to be apomorphine and nuciferine.

Its known the ancient Egyptians may have used the blue lily (Often referred to as Blue Lotus) flower for its inebriating effects. During WWI when the more traditional opiate anesthetic was un-available the White Lily (Nymphaea alba) was successfully used as an alternative. Lotuses are considered sacred by Hindus and Buddhist alike. Here in Bali, 95% of the indigenous are Hindu.

The Nymphaea family of lilys is also considered very sacred, and for this reason they are often used in special elaborate temple offerings to the gods. The Balinese make these offerings with great care and love as you can see from the picture below. They are also revered in Bali for there medicinal properties and often in a similar way to the ancient Egyptians are added to the local  spirit Arak or Rice wine for medicinal effects and to increase the strength of the drink and make it more euphoric.

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