To ensure the graves were left alone, people planted the poisonous red spider lilies over buried bodies to deter animals. Graves and death were soon associated with the red spider lily, earning it the name of 'death flower' and the even darker, 'corpse flower'.
Red spider lily / Higanbana
They are associated with final goodbyes, and legend has it that these flowers grow wherever people part ways for good. In old Buddhist writings, the red spider lily is said to guide the dead through samsara, the cycle of rebirth.
The lily is the flower most commonly associated with funeral services as they symbolize the innocence that has been restored to the soul of the departed. The white lily expresses majesty and purity, where as white stargazer lilies specifically symbolize sympathy.
While certain colors of lilies mean different things in Japanese culture – orange lilies for revenge and hatred and white lilies for purity – red spider lilies have a particularly dark connotation. Sometimes referred to as the death flower, red spider lilies relate to final goodbyes.
Don't touch: Red spider lily bulbs are poisonous if eaten, and touching the stems or petals can cause a rash. Don't let it put you off bringing kids, though—it's a great chance to teach children not to touch.
Abstract. Hymenocallis coronaria, also known as the rocky shoals spider lily , is a rare species that is restricted to Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Toxicity. Red spider lilies are poisonous to humans and animals, and therefore are best for homes that do not have children or pets. The benefit of their toxic quality is that it discourages deer and rabbits from feasting on your garden.
White and yellow chrysanthemums are widely used to say goodbye, particularly in Asia.
Marigolds. Often called “flowers of the dead,” cempasúchil, or flor de muerto, these bright orange and yellow flowers' fragrance is said to attract souls to the altar.
Lilies suggest that the soul of the deceased has returned to a peaceful state of innocence. Tip: Christians think this flower symbolizes purity, virginity, and the radiance of the soul.
The stargazer lily is used specifically as a symbol of sympathy, so is usually given to the family of the deceased, whilst a simple, white lily represents purity.
Peace Lilies
Another common funeral flower, this hardy plant symbolizes innocence and rebirth.
Graves and death were soon associated with the red spider lily, earning it the name of 'death flower' and the even darker, 'corpse flower'. In addition to graveyards, the method of planting the poisonous lily bulbs as a form of animal control extended to riverbanks and agricultural fields like rice paddies.
It is also implied that the Blue Spider Lily can nullify a demon's weakness to the sun if it's consumed, which is the reason to why Muzan was spending centuries searching for the flower.
Hyacinth: The purple hyacinth is a popular symbol of sorrow and regret. For a funeral setting, this expression is certainly appropriate.
Flowers that symbolize death are: Lily, Chrysanthemum, Rafflesia, Lycoris (Red Spider Lily), Aconitum (Aconite; Wolfsbane), Dracula (Monkey Orchid), Gladiolus, Carnations, and Hyacinths.
Flowers that symbolize loneliness are: Butterfly Weed, Lilies, Bleeding Heart, Daffodils, Yellow Chrysanthemum, and Plum Blossom.
Not traditionally used in funerals, the violet flower nevertheless has a deeply significant history of meaning which is making a resurgence. According to Garden Guides, …the [violet] flower is associated with death–and resurrection.
Spider lilies are considered mildly poisonous, so don't eat them. In Japan, where it is called “Higanbana”, the plant is used to protect the rice paddies since it is toxic to rats and other wild animals. You may find the rice patties lined with these plants creating a striking view when in bloom.
Spider Lily
This perennial bulb grows a stalk-like stem with buds that provide a gentle fragrance — nothing overpowering. Its wispy, curled petals add an eye-catching texture and exotic appeal to a landscape. The fact that it's one of the most fragrant flowers is an added bonus!
Slugs and snails eat its foliage and emerging flowers.
Is spider lily native to Australia? The spider lily (Hymenocallis) is native to South America. However, there is another species commonly referred to as spider lily (Crinum pedunculatum) that is native to Australia.
Are spider lilies bad luck? Spider lilies are associated with death since they were planted near the graves of people, and some consider it to be linked to bad luck, disaster, the afterlife, and hell. However, this plant is poisonous according to some cultures.