The spider lily, or Lycoris, has a long and varied history, with symbolism ranging from death and funerals to new beginnings and resurrection.
These unusual flowers come in white, pink, red, orange, or yellow and have a distinctive shape: six petals that radiate out from the center like the spokes of a wheel. But what do these flowers mean?
Known as the “flower of farewell” or “surprise lily,” the spider lily has been associated with death and funerals in many cultures. Indeed, its ability to flower in autumn, even in areas where winters are harsh, has given it a reputation for being otherworldly.
The exotic appearance often elicits curiosity from those who see it for the first time. Let’s look at the meaning and symbolism of the spider lily and learn more about what this unique flower represents.
The Symbolism of Spider Lilies
Spider lilies are associated with several symbols, including death and funerals, new beginnings, and resurrection.
White Spider Lily
A symbol of new beginnings, the white spider lily is often given as a gift to someone starting a new chapter in their life, such as a new job, home, or baby.
The pure white color of the flower is associated with purity and innocence, making it the perfect way to wish someone well on their new adventure.
Pink Spider Lily
The pink color of the flower is associated with love and passion. Pink spider lilies are often given as a gift to express love and admiration. The flower can also represent femininity, beauty, and grace, which makes it a popular choice for Mother’s Day.
Yellow Spider Lily
The yellow spider lily is a less common variety of the flower, with a unique symbolism of its own.
This lily represents happiness and prosperity because of its golden color and ability to prosper even in challenging environments. It also symbolizes strength because it can withstand harsh conditions and bloom beautifully.
Orange Spider Lily
The orange spider lily is a symbol of good fortune and luck. This brightly colored flower is often given as a gift to someone starting a new business or undertaking a new venture.
The color orange is also associated with energy, enthusiasm, and vibrancy, which makes the orange spider lily the perfect way to wish someone success on a new journey.
Red Spider Lily
The red spider lily is the most well-known variety of this flower, with a rich and deep history. Red is the color of passion and love, but it also has associations with death and funerals.
In Japan, the red spider lily is known as the “flower of death” because they often planted it in cemeteries and gravesites. Others believe that the red spider lily symbolizes love or passion because of its crimson color, which is associated with these emotions.
Red Spider Lily Meaning
The red spider lily is a beautiful and intriguing flower with many associated meanings.
Because the flower and its bulbs are poisonous to humans and animals, many cultures have viewed it as a symbol of danger and death.
Some traditions planted them near gravesites to protect the dead from scavenging animals. When the flowers bloomed in crimson, it appeared as if the flowers siphoned blood from the deceased.
The red spider lily has a dark reputation but is also associated with love and hope.
In Chinese culture, the bloom signifies autumn and the coming of winter, but it is also a reminder that spring will come again. The color red is associated with good luck and fortune, making the red spider lily a popular choice for celebrations and special occasions.
The flower is also popular in anime as a symbol of impending threat or demise because of its toxic nature and ominous reputation.
The red spider lily is a complex and fascinating flower with a long history and many associated meanings. Whether you see it as a symbol of hope or death, love or danger, the red spider lily is a beautiful flower full of intrigue and delight.
Final Thoughts on the Meaning of Spider Lilies
The spider lily is a beautiful flower that has many different meanings for different people; some see it as a symbol of death, while others see it as a sign of new beginnings or hope.
No matter what meaning the spider lily holds for you, it will be a stunning addition to any garden or bouquet. These flowers are relatively easy to care for and add a touch of elegance to any outdoor space or arrangement.
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