Meaning of Sen
Why Sen?
Sen in Vietnamese means lotus—the national flower of Việt Nam, the country where I was born and raised.
It is rare to find lotus flowers in urban areas where life is often disturbed by the turbulence and brisk pace of the city, simply because lotus flowers thrive in serene, peaceful, quiet ponds and lakes.
Sen is known as the “National Flower of Việt Nam” because of its simplicity, purity, and deep meaning. Sen symbolizes the beauty and resiliency of the Vietnamese nation. Even though sen lives “near the mud,” it always shows off its beauty and fragrance in the space.
“Trong đầm gì đẹp bằng sen
Lá xanh bông trắng lại chen nhị vàng
Nhị vàng bông trắng lá xanh
Gần bùn mà chẳng hôi tanh mùi bùn.”
- Ca dao Việt Nam
“In the pond, nothing is as beautiful as the lotus
Green leaves, white flowers, dotted with yellow stamens
Stamens, flowers, and leaves, all that come first
Nearby but no foul smell like mud”
- Vietnamese folk
Sen / Lotus
Sen symbolizes resilience, as it emerges from muddy waters to bloom in beauty. The flower also represents the journey of finding hope and renewal amidst life’s challenges. Like sen rising from muddy waters, you can also discover resilience and growth within yourself.
Sen serves as a reminder that beauty and strength can emerge from even the darkest moments. Through our work together, you are encouraged to embrace your own journey of transformation, similar to the way sen blooms in beauty in the midst of life’s muddy waters.