「出淤泥而不染，濯清漣而不妖」

To  the Chinese, the lotus flower represents creative power and purity amid     adverse surroundings (the muck and mud of the pond). It is also a symbol of     the seventh month and summer when lotus begin their blooming season.

In Buddhism the lotus flower symbolizes faithfulness. The golden lotus     mentioned in Buddhist sutras has two meanings: the symbol for the     achievement of enlightenment, and a real flower which is beyond normal     perception.

http://www.harekrsna.de/Lotus-FLower.htm

http://www.lotusfloweronline.net/index.html

The emergence of white and pink lotus flower beyond the height of perimeter wall

Pink and White lotus in full blossom

Chinese poets also use lotus flowers to inspire people to continue striving     through difficulties and to show their best side to the outside world, no matter how bad the circumstances may be.