Reflection

Reflection

Nature has always been central to my family’s life in China, especially our annual tradition of gathering lotus at the Hubei farms. We would wade into the water to collect seed pods and roots, crown ourselves with lotus leaves, snack on raw seeds, and return home to cook a lotus-themed dinner. Every part of the plant was used, reflecting its deep cultural symbolism of purity, resilience, and beauty. Even now, living in America, a bowl of lotus root soup brings back the warmth of those gatherings. In my piece, I depict myself as a young girl remembering these traditions while my father prepares lotus roots. As I snack on freshly cut lotus, I look back at memories of us harvesting together, and he glances toward the community that helped sustain this practice. The child version of me marvels at a blooming flower, showing how curiosity keeps traditions alive. By portraying both past and present, I highlight how family and community rituals are passed down through generations—and how they depend on a healthy environment. It is now our responsibility to protect the ecosystems that make these traditions possible.