Red Spider Lily: Legend and Meaning of Flowers by Color

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The Red Spider Lily, known for its unique beauty and subtle fragrance, is a flower that captivates many. However, not everyone is aware of its origins and true significance. To gain a deeper understanding of the Red Spider Lily, let us explore the following article.

1. What is the Red Spider Lily?

The Red Spider Lily is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. This flower is known by various names, including Lycoris radiata, Manjushage, and Higanbana. Native to regions of China, Korea, and Nepal, it later spread to Japan. Today, it is regarded as a cultural symbol, representing the autumn season in Japan.

The Red Spider Lily typically grows in clusters, rarely appearing alone, and thrives in warm and mild climates year-round. This plant reaches an average height of 40-100 cm, with each cluster bearing 4-6 flower buds. The most beautiful blooming period is from July to September, during which the petals can grow up to 60 cm in length. The Red Spider Lily is available in various colors, including red, white, blue, and yellow.

In Japanese gardens, the Red Spider Lily is often planted to enhance the seasonal beauty, with its vibrant red flowers contrasting against the green landscape.

2. The Legend of the Red Spider Lily

The Red Spider Lily is not only admired for its beauty but also linked to a unique legend. The story recounts two celestial beings named Manjushage and Higanbana, who fell deeply in love but were unable to unite due to divine fate. In their desperation, they defied heavenly laws and vowed to stay together for eternity. The Heavenly Emperor, enraged by their rebellion, punished them by transforming them into the leaves and flowers of a plant.

This plant, known as Manjushage, is the Red Spider Lily. Despite its stunning appearance, it embodies a profound sadness. The leaves and flowers of the Red Spider Lily never grow simultaneously; when the flowers bloom, the leaves wither, symbolizing the separation of Manjushage and Higanbana.

One day, the Buddha passed through this land and discovered the flower. Moved by the plight of Manjushage and Higanbana, he took this flower to the Pure Land to help it shed its sorrow and longing for the earthly realm. The Bodhisattva Jizō even planted the seeds in the land of Hoang Tuyen, adjacent to the Vong Xuyen River. From then on, the Red Spider Lily has served as a messenger, guiding souls toward reincarnation.

The legend is often depicted in Japanese art, illustrating the poignant love story and the flower’s significance in representing unfulfilled desires.

3. The Meaning of the Red Spider Lily by Color

The meaning of the Red Spider Lily varies across countries. In Japan, it symbolizes painful memories and despair, while in Korea, it represents longing for a lost partner. In China, it embodies sorrow and regret over separation.

The Meaning of Red Spider Lily

The red variety signifies pain and separation. Beneath its vibrant exterior lies the sorrow of lost love and haunting memories that cannot be forgotten. In some cultures, the red color is also associated with protection and resilience, symbolizing the strength to overcome challenges.

 In literature, the red Spider Lily is often used as a metaphor for lost love, resonating with readers through its deep emotional implications.

The Meaning of White Spider Lily

The white variety symbolizes separation, sadness, and misfortune. It represents a desire for a peaceful world and embodies a state of non-attachment, free from desires and suffering.

White Spider Lilies are often used in memorial gardens to honor loved ones, reflecting their peaceful nature.

The Meaning of Yellow Spider Lily

Yellow Spider Lilies are typically viewed as symbols of wealth, fortune, and prosperity in Chinese culture. However, in some cultures, they also evoke feelings of permanent separation, where one can never reunite with their beloved, even if their hearts still hold a place for them.

Example: Yellow Spider Lilies are popular in feng shui practices, believed to attract wealth and prosperity to the home.

The Meaning of Purple Spider Lily

The purple variety carries a significant meaning, symbolizing loyalty. Despite numerous trials, love remains steadfast and true. The purple Spider Lily also represents reunion after long periods of separation.

This flower is often included in wedding bouquets to symbolize everlasting love.

The Meaning of Blue Spider Lily

The blue Spider Lily appears in the Kimetsu no Yaiba manga, where the author created it to save the character Muzan from a dangerous illness. However, in reality, this flower does not exist.

The fictional portrayal highlights the allure and fantasy surrounding rare flowers in popular culture.

4. Benefits of the Red Spider Lily

Although the bulbs of the Red Spider Lily contain the highly toxic substance Lycopene, which can severely affect the nervous system, when used correctly, this flower can provide several unexpected benefits:

• Medicinal Properties: The Red Spider Lily is a valuable ingredient in the preparation of medicines for treating cancer, antibacterial properties, pain relief, and inflammation.
• Pest Repellent: Beyond its medicinal value, the distinct aroma of the Red Spider Lily helps repel mosquitoes, flies, rats, and other harmful insects.
• Spiritual Symbol: For many Buddhists, the Red Spider Lily serves as a spiritual symbol, often appearing in sacred rituals and offerings.

 Herbalists often incorporate Red Spider Lily extracts in alternative medicine for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

5. How to Plant and Care for the Red Spider Lily

The soil for planting the Red Spider Lily should meet specific criteria regarding porosity, moisture, and drainage capacity. This flower is heat-tolerant and is best suited for shaded areas.

How to Plant Red Spider Lily at Home:

1. Drainage Layer: Spread a thin layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot to ensure proper drainage for the plant.
2. Soil Preparation: Fill the pot with prepared soil, leaving a 2-3 cm gap from the edge to the top.
3. Bulb Placement: Place the Red Spider Lily bulb into the soil and cover it with additional soil. If planting multiple bulbs in the same pot, maintain a distance of 8-12 cm between them.
4. Watering and Positioning: Water the plants and place them in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight, promoting healthy growth.

 Using clay pots can improve drainage and aeration for the bulbs, enhancing their growth.

How to Care for Red Spider Lily:

• Leaf Trimming: As flowers begin to bloom, the leaves will wither. Remove yellow leaves to prevent decay and protect the plant.
• Fertilization: Fertilize with NPK fertilizer approximately every two months to provide essential nutrients.
• Pest Control: The Red Spider Lily is relatively resistant to pests; however, it may attract snails. Bury a small beer can under the plant to lure the snails inside.
• Watering: Regularly water the plants 1-2 times per week to promote prolonged blooming and enhance their beauty without harming the plant’s health.

 Keeping a consistent watering schedule ensures the plant remains healthy and vibrant.