A Guide to the Symbolism & Spiritual Lore of Red Spider Lilies

The red spider lily, often associated with death and loss, holds significance in various cultures, particularly in East Asia. These striking flowers are often planted in graveyards and recur in literature to foreshadow death. This article will explore the meanings, mythology, and symbolism of red spider lilies, along with an examination of other spider lily colors and their associated meanings.

What do red spider lilies mean?

Red spider lilies symbolize death, especially in Japanese and Chinese cultures. Numerous myths claim that these flowers grow in Hell and guide spirits to the afterlife. Their cultivation in graveyards deters scavengers. Furthermore, they exhibit a brief bloom period of two weeks in autumn, a season often connected with death rather than renewal.

Red Spider Lily Meanings

Death and loss

Often referred to as the "death flower" or "corpse flower," red spider lilies hold a strong association with death in different cultures, particularly Japan. Their short lifespan, blooming in autumn, adds to this connection. After two weeks, the flowers turn brown and perish. They are planted near graves to prevent animals from disturbing burial sites since they are toxic, making scavengers unlikely to approach. Their vivid red hue also evokes the color of blood, aligning them further with death.

Rebirth and renewal

While primarily signifying death, red spider lilies can also symbolize rebirth. In some mythologies and religious beliefs surrounding reincarnation, these flowers represent life after death and transformation.

Separation and abandonment

Sometimes called the "abandoned child flower," these lilies can denote losses beyond physical death. They symbolize significant endings, veering away from loved ones or conveying feelings of abandonment.

Red Spider Lily Myths & Superstitions

According to Japanese legend, these flowers grow in Hell.

Mythically dubbed the "hell flower," red spider lilies are said to flourish in Hell and guide spirits towards reincarnation. In Japan, they are known as higanbana, meaning "the other shore." This can refer to the Sanzu River, which the deceased cross as they journey to the afterlife.

In Japan, red spider lilies are also linked with the autumn equinox.

Known as O-higan, families honor deceased relatives during this season and visit graves, solidifying the flowers’ symbolism regarding death.

In a Chinese tale, the flower originated with two elves.

An ancient legend tells of elves Manju and Saka which guarded the flower and its leaves. As they were fated to be separated, their rebellion against the gods resulted in their eternal separation, leaving the leaves and flowers to bloom at different times. Consequently, the flower is also called "Manjusaka" or "Manjushage."

Folklore claims they bloom when you depart from someone permanently.

Folklore suggests that red spider lilies flourish along the routes of departing lovers destined never to meet again, purveying loss and separation.

According to superstition, bringing a red spider lily indoors is unfavorable.

Due to their association with negative forces, bringing these flowers home is considered bad luck. Tales spread about bad outcomes, such as fires when red spider lilies enter a house.

Some schools of Buddhism view the flower as sacred.

Within the Lotus Sutra, a crucial Buddhist text, descending flowers are seen as the red spider lily. As a result, these flowers are often planted at Buddhist temples.

Red Spider Lilies in Anime

In anime, red spider lilies foreshadow character deaths.

The lilies hold strong symbolism in Japan, appearing in various forms of media, notably anime, to hint at impending deaths. Notably:

• In Demon Slayer, red spider lilies appear in ending credits to signify death’s omnipresence.
• In Tokyo Ghoul, these flowers highlight a metamorphosis during a character's transformation while undergoing severe trauma.
• In Dororo, the character sees red spider lilies and recalls becoming an orphan, reinforcing their nickname, "abandoned child flowers."

Other Spider Lily Color Meanings

Most colors of spider lilies carry positive connotations.

Colors apart from red symbolize positivity, happiness, and well-being:

• White: Represents positivity, new beginnings, freshness, and simplicity.
• Yellow: Denotes happiness, wisdom, gratitude, and friendship.
• Pink: Stands for femininity, love, and self-confidence.
• Blue: Associated with calmness, stability, and truth.

While blue spider lilies do not occur naturally, they appear frequently in fictional narratives, especially in anime.

Other Flowers Associated with Death

Various other flowers symbolize death across cultures.

Here are common flowers symbolizing loss and their meanings:

• Black roses: Dark-red flowers embody sorrow and grief.
• Chrysanthemums: In Europe, these flowers represent mourning, while in America, they are used for encouragement in illness.
• Red poppies: Serve as a memorial flower for veterans from major wars.
• Orchids: Convey sympathy and eternal love, present in memories of loved ones.

• Marigolds: Believed to attract spirits with their fragrance, they celebrate life in many cultures.
• Carnations: Symbolize enduring love and honor memory, often presented at funerals.