By: Alex
Autumn is the season of maple red. Just before the peak of the fall foliage, Japanese photographers have turned their focus to a blood-red flower—the red spider lily. Its scientific name is Lycoris radiata, and in Chinese-speaking regions, it is also known as "wuyicao" (meaning "flower of no meaning") or "dragon claw flower." Based on Buddhist scriptures, the Japanese have also given it the more familiar Sanskrit-translated name "Manjushage."
▲ (Photo by Tanico1996 @Twitter)
Aside from its unique shape and eerie color, the red spider lily is also associated with death and separation due to its toxicity (ingesting it can cause vomiting and other symptoms) and its frequent growth in graveyards. This flower has an unusual growth habit: it blooms before its leaves appear, and the leaves emerge only after the flowers have withered. The flower and leaves never coexist, leading the Japanese to view it as a symbol of endless longing, despair, and tragic love. As a result, photos of the red spider lily taken by Japanese photographers often exude a somber, lonely atmosphere, yet feel hauntingly beautiful.
▲?shima Prefecture (Photo by rs.0521 @IG)
▲ (Photo by uuy_05 @Twitter)
The white flowered version of the red spider lily, which shares a similar shape but blooms in white, is commonly known as the white red spider lily. It also has another name derived from Buddhist scriptures: "Mandaraga," which blooms in heaven and represents liberation or enlightenment. In photographers' images, the white red spider lily, set against dark backgrounds, also emanates a melancholic and cold aura.
▲ Chiba Prefecture, Matsudo City, Sogakuin Temple (Photo by yuya_5dmark4_ @IG)
▲ Oita Prefecture, Taketa City, Nanatsumori Ancient Tomb Cluster (Photo by ya_hi.photo @IG)
▲ (Photo by akira1027_photo @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by BB8kpOQCmrBnMR1 @Twitter)
▲ Nara Prefecture, Gose City, Kuhonji Temple (Photo by fujirom_ @IG)
▲ Aichi Prefecture, Yasakawa River (Photo by kosa_photo @IG)
▲ Miyagi Prefecture, Shibata Town, Funayama Castle Ruins Park (Photo by cocoon2078 @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by Yohira_Ao @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by Yohira_Ao @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by Tanico1996 @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by SioUsio @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by Yuya_1018p @Twitter)
Source: Instagram, Twitter