Lycoris Radiata
Lycoris Radiata

The flower lycoris radiate is a member of the amaryllidaceae family, with a subfamily of Amaryllidoideae. Red spider lily is another name for this flower. This lovely red flower grows in China, Korea, and Nepal before spreading to Japan, America, and finally the rest of the world.

The flower lycoris radiate is a member of the amaryllidaceae family, with a subfamily of Amaryllidoideae. Red spider lily is another name for this flower. This lovely red flower grows in China, Korea, and Nepal before spreading to Japan, America, and finally the rest of the world.

This flower has a distinct feature in that the flower appears before the leaves fully emerge. Lycoris Radiata is supported by stems measuring 30-10 centimeters (12-28 inches) in height. The higanbana has parallel-sided leaves that are 0.5 – 1 centimeter (0.20 – 0.39 in) wide and have a paler diameter.

This flower has a distinct feature in that the flower appears before the leaves fully emerge. Lycoris Radiata is supported by stems measuring 30-10 centimeters (12-28 inches) in height. The higanbana has parallel-sided leaves that are 0.5 – 1 centimeter (0.20 – 0.39 in) wide and have a paler diameter.

In the land of cherry blossoms, this flower has another purpose. In Japan, the red spider lily is known as the higanbana flower. The red spider lily blooms from late summer to early autumn. Furthermore, because this lovely flower is associated with heavy rain, it is known as a storm lily.

Lycoris Radiata blooms in September, with leaves that appear after the flowers. These flowers’ leaves will remain throughout the winter and then fade away in early summer. Within a week, the flowers will fade from bright fluorescent red to deep pink.

Japan is well-known for the blooming of the red spider lily or higanbana. Higanbana (彼岸花) is the Japanese name for a flower also known as “Spider Lily” or “Lycoris Radiata” in English. This flower holds various symbolic meanings in Japanese culture, including:

  1. Farewell and Remembrance: Higanbana is often associated with farewells and remembrance of those who have passed away. Its blooming season in autumn, during the Higan festival (a period of transition between summer and autumn), serves as a moment to remember and celebrate the souls that have departed.
  2. New Beginnings: On the other hand, Higanbana also symbolizes new beginnings or transformation. It is linked to the transition from summer to autumn and underscores the importance of appreciating every change in life.
  3. Warding off Malevolence: Some people also believe that Higanbana possesses the power to ward off evil spirits. For this reason, the flower is sometimes planted around graves and homes as a spiritual protector.

So, Higanbana is a flower rich in cultural significance in the context of Japan, encompassing feelings of farewell, remembrance, transformation, and spiritual protection. Some of the places in Japan where you can see this flower blooming in September are:

1. Kinchakuda

Kinchakuda
Kinchakuda

Manjushage Kinchakuda Park is well-known for having the most Higanbana in Japan. Approximately 5 million Lycoris Radiata flowers have been planted in this park. Flowers that bloom simultaneously in late summer or early fall add to the beauty of this garden.

2. Kenei Gongendo

Higanbana flower lovers should plan a trip to Kenei Gongendo to see this beautiful flower bloom. In this park, nearly 3.5 million Higanbana are growing and developing. Although there aren’t as many as in Kinchakuda Manjushage Park, this park can still satisfy your curiosity about this lovely flower.

Gugyouji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan.

This plant is not only found in parks in Sakura’s homeland. Red spider lilies are also blooming in a temple. Gugyouji is a shrine in Ibraki Prefecture that has 50,000 higanbana trees that have been planted for 40 years. Apart from the locations mentioned above, there are numerous other places in Japan where you can visit to witness the blooming of red spider lilies.

Surviving By Eating Poisonous Tubers

Lycoris Radiata
Lycoris Radiata

This flower is thought to have originated in China, but not all varieties are found there. This plant’s female variety can be found in Japan. As a result, the higanbana flower does not produce pollen and instead grows by relying on the tuber.

Poisonous tubers of the red spider lily are known to exist. Even though it contains poison, this flower does have some advantages. The Japanese use the poison in this plant tuber to repel pests and rodents from their agricultural land. This flower is planted around the farm and around the house to keep pests and rodents out.

The Flowers are associated with death

Lycoris Radiata
Lycoris Radiata

Before becoming acquainted with the cremation procession known today, Japanese people used the Lycoris Radiata flower funeral processions. Japanese people plant higanbana around food in the hope that the flowers will deter wild animals from preying on recently buried human bodies. This is where the flower associated with death got its name.

According to the Japan Visitor, the name higanbana is derived from the Japanese word higan, which means “another beach.” This word is frequently interpreted as the afterlife, which is thought to be a gathering place for the spirits of those who have died.

Buddhists use this flower to mark the arrival of autumn with a ceremony at the grave of one of their ancestors. They planted Lycoris Radiata flowers in graves to pay tribute to the deceased. Many people believe that this flower is associated with death for a variety of reasons, so it is strongly advised not to give this flower bouquet to people you care about.

Lycoris Radiata typically blooms near graves in early autumn, which is why it is often referred to as Lotus Silk in Chinese and Japanese translations, which means the unpleasant flower that grows in Hell. This flower is also thought to guide the deceased to the next reincarnation.

 

The Flowers that represent farewell

This plant’s flowers and leaves never appear together. The leaves will fall if the flowers bloom. If the leaves turn green, the flowers will wither quickly. This is the beginning of this flower, which is thought to represent a farewell.

According to legend, the flowers and leaves of the Lycoris Radiata flower could not grow at the same time due to an order from Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. The Sun Goddess directed the fairies to carry out their responsibilities and forbade them from leaving their assigned locations.

Peri Manju and Peri Saka are in charge of the Lycoris Radiata plant. Peri Manju is in charge of the flowers, while the Saka fairies are in charge of the leaves. The two fairies disobeyed the sun goddess’s orders one day. Peri Manu and Peri Saka left their post. When the Higanbana leaves were growing to the petals, two fairies met and fell in love.

The Sun Goddess was enraged by Peri Manju and Peri Saka’s actions, which went against the established boundaries. As a result, the Sun Goddess cursed the two fairies and forbade them from meeting. This is thought to be the reason why Higanbana leaves and flowers cannot grow at the same time.

Because of Peri Manju and Peri Saka’s tragic story, this flower has become a symbol of separation. Furthermore, Japanese people believe that when they part ways with someone or meet someone for the last time, they will see Higanbana flowers blooming along the way. Higanbana flowers are not only red, but also white and yellow.

Each flower, in addition to its various colors, has a unique meaning. The white Higanbana flower represents loneliness and the desire to meet someone new. Meanwhile, the yellow Higanbana flower represents nostalgia and love. Because they have different meanings, you must select the correct Higanbana flower to avoid sending the wrong message.

 

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