Lotus Symbolism, a Common Concept in Geographical-Cultural Vastness of Achaemenians and Sassanids

Culture is considered as a relatively new notion in human sciences. Its noticeable feature is the relation amongst different cultures which is formed as a result of human interactions. The most important element to establish these interactions is geography; since various geographical conditions has a significant role in different cultural areas. Needless to mention that this new human and social science realm to study the cultural effects, interactions and relations amongst various culture and geography is characterized as cultural geography. It is worth mentioning that culture as a vital fundamental principle in literature in a mutual interaction, contributes to improvement, establishment and strength of a nation’s cultural identity. One of the constituents of literary-cultural formation in ancient civilizations is allegory, as a remarkable index of symbolism or a specific intercultural action that is able to reread the minds of different tribes of a unique notion. Lotus, as a cultural allegory and entity possesses a special signification. The present study via descriptive-analytical approach investigates and analyses this ancient Persian allegory in Achemenians and Sassanids dynasties. The findings represent that lotus allegory has appeared as a symbolistic essence from Achemenians to Sassanids dynasties. It entails an accumulation of abstract and intellectual concepts such as universal peace, worship, splendor, love, etc.