The Red Spider Lily: Capturing Japan’s Flower of the Afterlife
Appearing in a sudden, brilliant flash of fiery red, the spider lily is a flower of dramatic beauty. Its delicate, spidery petals curl back from long, sweeping stamens, creating an unforgettable silhouette against the early autumn landscape. But behind this stunning appearance lies a deep and somber cultural significance, particularly in Japan and China, where it is known as a flower of death, farewells, and the afterlife.
Because of these ties, the flower symbolizes final goodbyes. It is often used in funeral rites and placed on family graves during the Ohigan (Autumnal Equinox), a week dedicated to honoring ancestral spirits.
Higanbana meaning & symbolism: A guide to the other shore
The red spider lily’s strongest association is with mortality. In Japan, it is called Higanbana (彼岸花), the “flower of Higan,” directly linking it to the Buddhist holiday of Higan, which occurs around the autumnal equinox. This is a time when families visit the graves of their ancestors to pay their respects, and the Higanbana are in full bloom, lining the paths to cemeteries as if to welcome them.
Why is the red spider lily associated with death?
Folklore: The path to the underworld
Legends say these flowers grow along the path to the afterlife, marking the border between the living and the dead and guiding souls on their final journey. For this reason, it’s sometimes called the “hell flower.”
History: A poisonous protection for graves
The flower’s bulbs are poisonous. For centuries, they were intentionally planted around graves and rice paddies to keep scavenging animals and pests away, physically cementing their presence in places of death and remembrance.
Ceremony: A Symbol of Parting and Ohigan
Red spider lily of rebirth: The cycle of life
Despite its somber reputation, the red spider lily also carries a message of renewal. It has a unique life cycle where the flowers bloom and die before the leaves ever appear. This powerful act of blooming in a time of transition—the shift from summer to autumn—makes it a symbol of reincarnation and new beginnings. While it guides the dead, it also speaks to the cycle of life continuing. In some contexts, its vibrant, passionate color has even led it to be associated with love.
Medicinal uses and traditional chinese medicine
Beyond its symbolism, the red spider lily also has a history in traditional Chinese medicine. The bulbs contain alkaloids that have been used for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
From a mythological guide for spirits to a practical tool for protection and a symbol of life’s endless cycle, the red spider lily is far more than just a beautiful flower. It is a beloved, poignant reminder of the connection between farewells and new beginnings, making it one of the most culturally significant flowers in the world.
Where to photograph red spider lilies in Tokyo
The photos for this article were taken at Nogawa Park (野川公園) in Chofu City, a local retreat where you can find a sprawling carpet of fiery higanbana in the Nature Observation Garden. If you’d like to plan your own visit, you can read more details in my full guide.
For those looking to explore other locations, some of the most famous spots in and around Tokyo to see red spider lilies include:
- Kinchakuda Manjushage Park (巾着田曼珠沙華公園): Located in Saitama, this is arguably the most famous spot, boasting an incredible 5 million lilies that create a breathtaking “red carpet” effect.
- Kenei Gongendo Park (権現堂公園): Also in Saitama, this park features over 3 million red spider lilies, often creating a beautiful contrast with the green embankments.
- Showa Kinen Park (昭和記念公園): A national park in Tachikawa where you can find clusters of lilies, especially in the recreated 1950s rural landscape of Komorebi Village.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has photographed Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5. The project will take more than one lifetime.
