The earth symbolizes the land, the mother of whole creation. As life comes to an end, it returns to the beginning of the life circle. Water is the very source and origin of life so it is full of the spirit of life. On the other hand, the lotus and its withered seed pot symbolize the rise and fall of life. After all, life does not end at death; instead, it is an endless circle. The yellow ribbon in the painting signifies the affection of the living for the dead, as well as the prayer for the continued circle of life.(Lin Hao Pai)