Red Spider Lily Meaning: Culture, History, & Mythology (2024)

Co-authored byRaven Minyard, BAReviewed byStina Garbis

Last Updated: June 4, 2024Fact Checked

What do red spider lilies mean?

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   Death and loss Commonly known as the “death flower” or “corpse flower,” the red spider lily has long been associated with death across many cultures, and especially so in Japan. In addition to many myths and folktales, the lily’s association with death may partially come from their short lifespans and the fact that they bloom in autumn rather than spring.^[1]

   • Red spider lilies bloom for about 2 weeks before they turn brown and die.
   • They’re often planted in and around graves to deter wild animals from disturbing the site. Red spider lilies are poisonous, so scavengers tend to avoid them.
   • These flowers may also be associated with death because their bright red color resembles that of blood.
   • Folklore across many parts of East Asia, including Japan and China, associate the flower with death and the afterlife.
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   Rebirth and renewal While these flowers are most commonly associated with death, they don’t always mean finality. Red spider lilies are frequently depicted in mythology and religions that believe in reincarnation, so they can also represent life after death or transformation.^[2]

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   Separation and abandonment Sometimes known as the “abandoned child flower,” red spider lilies don’t always symbolize literal death. They may represent other kinds of endings, like being separated from loved ones or feeling like you’ve been abandoned. In general, they symbolize some kind of significant loss or final goodbye.^[3]

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   According to Japanese legend, these flowers grow in Hell. Sometimes known as the “hell flower,” many folktales suggest red spider lilies grow in Hell and help guide spirits to the afterlife or reincarnation. In Japan, they’re called higanbana, which translates to “the other shore.” This is sometimes interpreted as the shore of the Sanzu River, which is the river the dead cross on their way to the afterlife.^[4]

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   In Japan, red spider lilies are associated with the autumn equinox. The autumn equinox is called O-higan in Japanese, and red spider lilies bloom in autumn. Traditionally, families visit the graves of deceased loved ones on O-higan to pray and pay homage to them. This is another reason red spider lilies symbolize death.^[5]

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   In a Chinese tale, the flower originated with two elves. According to the legend, the ancient Chinese gods instructed two elves named Manju and Saka to guard the flower and its leaves respectively. Because both parts grew separately, the elves were fated to never meet. However, they defied the gods to meet, and when they were discovered, the gods punished them by separating them for eternity. This is why the leaves and the flowers of the red spider lily never grow at the same time.^[6]

   • Because of this tale, the red spider lily is also called the “Manjusaka” or “Manjushage.”
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   Folklore claims they bloom when you leave someone you won’t see again. A common folktale says that red spider lilies bloom along the paths of departing lovers who are destined to never meet again. Other versions of the superstition say this can apply to any two people who won’t see each other again, regardless of relationship.^[7]

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   According to superstition, bringing a red spider lily inside is bad luck. Because they’re also called “hell flowers,” red spider lilies are sometimes associated with things like fire and negativity. It’s often believed that if you bring one inside your house, your house will burn down. If you’re superstitious, it’s best to leave them outdoors.^[8]

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   Some schools of Buddhism view the flower as holy. In the Lotus Sutra, a fundamental text for many schools of Buddhism, flowers descended from the heavens to fall on Buddha and his audience. Many Buddhists believe this flower to be the red spider lily, so these lilies are often planted at Buddhist temples.^[9]

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1. In anime, red spider lilies foreshadow a character's death. The red spider lily’s association with death is especially prominent in Japan and is regularly used in music, film, and anime. The lily is extremely symbolic, and if you see it in your favorite anime, know it’s there for a reason—and that reason is usually to foreshadow an upcoming death.^[10]

   • For example, in Demon Slayer, red spider lilies are featured in the ending credits. The show is filled with death, so the lilies are more of a promise than just foreshadowing.
   • In Tokyo Ghoul, the flowers make regular appearances throughout many different episodes. Here, red spider lilies also symbolize metamorphosis, as a field of white carnations transform into spider lilies as a character is tortured and his mind begins to break.
   • In Dororo, the titular character Dororo encounters red spider lilies and has a flashback to when he became an orphan. Red spider lilies are also sometimes called “abandoned child flowers.”

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1. Most spider lilies have positive meanings. Colors other than red represent positivity, happiness, and good health. Here are some other common colors of spider lilies and what they symbolize:^[11]

   • White: positivity, new beginnings, freshness, good health, simplicity
   • Yellow: happiness, light, wisdom, gratitude, friendship, prosperity
   • Pink: femininity, love, beauty, passion, pride, self-confidence, pleasure
   • Blue: truth, calmness, stability, inspiration, gratitude, trustworthiness
     • The blue spider lily does not actually exist, but it is frequently depicted and sought after in various forms of fictional media, like anime.

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1. Some roses, mums, and poppies also symbolize death. Depending on the location and culture, different flowers represent death and loss all over the world. Here are some common flowers associated with death and what they specifically mean:^[12]

   • Black roses: Black roses are actually a dark shade of purple or red that looks black. Since the color black is associated with sorrow and grief, these flowers symbolize death and loss.
   • Chrysanthemums: In many European countries, these flowers are placed in tombs and symbolize death, whereas in America, they’re used to express a “get well soon” message. With these combined meanings, chrysanthemums are a symbol of support and mourning, making them a common flower for funerals.
   • Red poppies: Poppies are a commemorative flower for war veterans, particularly those who died in one of the World Wars.
   • Orchids: Orchids, especially pink and white ones, have traditionally been used to express sympathy and symbolize eternal love. Like carnations and chrysanthemums, they’re often a symbol of support during times of mourning.
   • Marigolds: In some cultures, spirits are believed to be attracted to the scent of marigolds. Their bright colors also celebrate life, and they’re often used to decorate altars, crosses, and garlands.
   • Carnations: Unlike other death flowers, carnations are associated with love, so they’re typically used to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed on and to symbolize an eternal bond.

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