Sep 23, 2026
Red Spider Lilies, a birthday flower of September 23rd
Red Spider Lilies (Lycoris Radiata) known most commonly as Higanbana or Manjushage in Japanese, are a birthday flower of September 23rd annually. They are also a birthday flower of September 20th and November 15th.
In both languages they have dozens of names. One of note in English is Equinox Flowers, a name given to them as they usually come into full bloom around the autumn equinox, which is today September 23rd. They don't last long past the equinox either, sometimes only blooming for about a week. In large colonies though, you can usually see them until early October.
Similarly, the Japanese name 'Higanbana' comes from the fact that they bloom during the Buddhist observance O/higan. Which is a time for visiting graves, and they are often found near and around cemeteries and grave sites. Their hanakotoba, meaning of flowers, is also related to higan as they symbolize "sad memories". But they also carry the meanings of "acceptance", "independence" and "passion" too.

Irish, Mom of 4, currently also living beside the In-Laws. 25+ years back and forth between Ireland and Japan! I also write on my personal website: insaitama.com
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