Higanbana (彼岸花), the Red Spider Lily, is a classic autumn flower in Japan. It is renowned for its stark crimson colour, its association with death, and recently for its appearance in the anime “Lycoris Recoil” - interestingly, Higanbana’s scientific name is “lycoris radiata”.
In this article, we will introduce the meaning of Higanbana in the flower language, the origins of its association with death, as well as the best places to admire Higanbana in Japan.
Table of Contents
- What is Higanbana (彼岸花)?
- Higanbana and Its Association with Death
- Higanbana Flower Meaning
- Where to See Higanbana in Japan
- Higanbana’s Significance in the Anime “Lycoris Recoil”
- Things to Keep in Mind When Seeing Higanbana
What is Higanbana (彼岸花)?
Higanbana (彼岸花) is the Japanese name for the flower plant “Red Spider Lily” with scientific name “Lycoris Radiata”. It is also known ominously in English as “Corpse Flower”. Higanbana belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family of plants which includes daffodils, belladonna lilies, and snowflakes.
Higanbana is a Japanese autumn flower that blooms from late summer to mid-autumn. The blooming of this flower is often a sign of the arrival of autumn in Japan. Red spider lilies are native to Japan, China, Korea, and Nepal. It is characterised by its vibrant crimson colour, and trumpet shaped spider-like flower that rests at the tip of a long stem. They also usually grow in clusters.
Because the Higanbana’s bulb roots, which are hidden beneath the ground, are poisonous, they are often grown in rice fields to prevent pests. Apart from that, they are also often planted near burial areas to keep away animals. However, there are also other reasons why the red spider lily is closely associated with death in Japanese culture.
Writer's Pick
Higanbana and Its Association with Death
In Japan, there is a tradition of planting Higanbana at cemeteries. Higanbana, believed to be the flower of the afterlife, is said to help usher spirits into their next life (reincarnation). So closely associated with Higanbana is death, that it was allegedly used to mark unindentified Japanese soldier's final resting place during certain periods of Japanese history.
What is Higan (彼岸)? What is Ohigan (お彼岸)?
In Buddhism, the world we currently live in that is full of earthly desires is called Shigan (此岸), while the “world of enlightenment” or the “world of nirvana” is called Higan (彼岸).
Ohigan (お彼岸) is a Buddhist celebration that falls close to the autumn equinox, a period of time when the distance between Shigan and Higan are believed to be closer. During this time, Buddhists practise mental training to “reach” Ohigan and many people visit family graves, similar to Obon traditions.
What does Higan & Ohigan have to do with Higanbana?
The peak season for Higanbana tends to fall during Ohigan. Every season when the flowers bloom, people visit their family graves and reminisce about the deceased. Higanbana is often depicted in Japanese literature, poetry and paintings about Higan and Ohigan. It can be said that Higanbana is the symbolic flower of the “other shore”.
The Flower of Eternal Separation
One of the Higanbana’s unique characteristics is how it grows. The flowers of red spider lilies never grow the same as their leaves. When the flower blooms, it is always on a clean clear stem void of leaves, and after the flowers wither and fall, the leaves will grow in. Because of this, we will never see the plant in its entirety, only the flowers or leaves.
It is said that it is for these reasons that the Higanbana is considered a symbol of eternal separation; two lovers who never meet. There is even a legend that says that if you meet someone you will never meet again, Higanbana will grow along the path you walk on. It can also symbolise the eternal separation brought by the death of someone.
Despite its gloomy associations, Higanbana is one of the most beautiful flowers in Japan. Its season of blooming is highly anticipated every year.
Higanbana Flower Meaning
Higanbana doesn’t only symbolise death and gloom, the flower carries other meanings as well. In the language of flowers Hanakotoba (花言葉), the Higanbana represents sad memories and resignation, but also more positive expressions like independence and passion.
Undeniably, the Higanbana standing tall and proud with its crimson vividness does exude an air of elegance, strength of independence, and the fiery redness of passion.
Though red is the most iconic colour for Higanbana, there are also spider lilies in varying colours. The flower meaning for Higanbana also differs by their colour.
White Higanbana
Flower Meaning: “Looking forward to meeting you again”, “Thinking of only you”
A flower with a romantic message, it can also be interpreted as wanting to meet someone who has passed away again.
Yellow Higanbana
Flower Meaning: “Reminiscing”, “Deep compassion”, “Cheerfulness”, “Vigor”
The bright colour gives it a more positive energy.
Orange Higanbana
Flower Meaning: “Bewitching”, “Exotic”
Its flower meaning is derived from its bewitching and exotic appearance as it blooms in the shade.
Higanbana’s Significance in Anime “Lycoris Recoil”
Lycoris Recoil is an original anime production by Spider Lily and Asaura that first ran from July 2, 2022 to September 24, 2022. The anime had a successful run resulting in a manga adaptation, spin-off light novel, and even a stage play adaptation in early 2023. Lycoris Recoil also won “Best Original Anime” in the 7th Crunchyroll Anime Awards (2023), and was nominated in 7 other categories including Anime of the Year and Best New Series.
Image from PR Times.
Thanks to Lycoris Recoil, Higanbana was brought to the limelight even outside of Japan. At the end of each episode, a special illustration is shown. Well, for Episode 11, illustrations featuring the main characters “smoking” Higanbanas by animator Ukiashi were released. The illustrations were also shared on Ukiashi’s X (previously Twitter) account here.
The next day, Ukiashi commented on the post , “Higanbana is poisonous, so please do not imitate [this illustration]. These are drawn as a form of expression.”
Unfortunately, the producers of Lycoris Recoil decided to replace the special illustrations for Episode 11. However, in respect for the director’s intentions, the illustrations in question still remain in the opening video!
Image from YouTube. (Click link to watch the full Opening Video.)
Higanbana and Lycoris Recoil are strongly connected. For one, the title itself is derived from Higanbana’s scientific name - “Lycoris Radiata”. Other connections between them are:
- “Spider Lily” is one of the two creators who brought us Lycoris Recoil.
- In the anime, Lycoris Agents form a group named Higanbana.
- The anime’s main promo illustration itself is decorated with Higanbana, symbolic of the Lycoris Agents.
As for other significances, you’ll just have to watch the anime for yourself.
Watch the trailer for Lycoris Recoil.
Where to See Higanbana in Japan
Interested to see Higanbana in Japan? Here are some spots famous for them.
[Tokyo] Mizumoto Park (都立水元公園)
When the Higanbana are in full bloom, they form an impressive crimson carpet at Mizumoto Park, eye-catching even from a distance. On days when the skies are clear, their colours contrast brilliantly against the blue skies. There are also white spider lilies blooming around the water reservoir called Koaidame (小合溜).
[Tokyo] Hozoin Temple (宝蔵院)
Hozoin Temple, located in the same Katsushika Ward as the above Mizumoto Park, is a hidden spot for Higanbana. We recommend visiting both places as they each have very different atmospheres.
As you enter the precinct, you can see flowers blooming along the patch. Admire the clusters of Higanbana surrounding the statue in front of the main hall, and climb the stairs of the main hall for a view of the grounds. In addition to red spider lilies, there are also yellow and white ones nestled in the garden across the medical building.
[Saitama] Prefectural Gongendo Park (権現堂公園)
Gongendo Park is home to 3 million red spider lilies, and is the location of the annual Satte Higanbana Festival. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the festival was suspended, but it has since resumed. The festival is usually held from mid-September to early October to coincide with Higanbana’s peak season.
Gogendo Park is the second most famous place to see Higanbana, the first being Kinchakuda Manjushage Park, which is also in Saitama prefecture (see below).
[Saitama] Kinchakuda Manjushage Park (曼珠沙華の里「巾着田」)
Kinchakuda Manjushage Park is the most famous place to see Higanbana. It is home to 5 million red spider lilies. Their annual Kinchakuda Manjushage Matsuri is usually held from mid-Sep to early October. The area is also famous for cherry blossoms, lotus and cosmos during their respective blooming seasons.
Manjushage (曼珠沙華) is another name for Higanbana which is taken from the name of a mythical flower mentioned in the Lotus Sutra.
[Kanagawa] Jousenji Temple
Jousenji Temple, nicknamed “Flower Temple”, is famous for its white Higanbana. Along with Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in Saitama prefecture (above) and Hinata Yakushi in Kanagawa prefecture (below), it is considered one of the “Three Famous Higanbana Spots in Kanto (彼岸花関東三大名所)”. With around 1,000 red spider lilies and 300 white ones, it makes for a lovely scenery ornamented with stone statues.
[Kanagawa] Hinata Yakushi (日向薬師)
【伊勢原市からのお知らせ・日向地区のヒガンバナ】かながわの花の名所100選、日向地区の彼岸花が楽しめます。開花状況など詳しくはホームページをご覧ください。(撮影：9/18日向薬師バス停横群生地) https://t.co/QmH9z7kLIT pic.twitter.com/GX0cs5HV9E
— 神奈川県伊勢原市(公式) (@Isehara_City) September 19, 2023
Unlike the urbanised Yokohama, the Hinata area is Isehara City, which is also in Kanagawa prefecture, has retained its rare rural scenery. Higanbana flowers can be seen blooming in many places in this area, contrasting with the fields, mountains, and vast sky. It is certainly worthy of being selected as one of the “Top 100 Flower Spots in Kanagawa (神奈川の花の名所100選)”, and for Higanbana!
Enjoying the Beauty of Higanbana, Things to Keep in Mind
Enjoy the beauty of Higanbana, but keep in mind the following!
- Do not touch the stems! Do not pick the flowers! Admire them from a distance.
- Higanbana Festivals are usually crowded. Many people gather to take photographs, so be considerate of your surroundings. Wait till it’s your turn to take photos, and avoid blocking people.
- Some places may prohibit photography, so check beforehand.
- Actual blooming time varies from year to year, check in advance so you will not be disappointed.
We hope you can capture the beauty of Higanbana, which is one of Japan’s autumn scenery, with your own eyes and mind.
