Did you know that certain symbols in anime hold a lot of significance beyond their appearance? One such symbol is the red spider lily, or Higanbana in Japanese, which has become an integral part of anime storytelling. With its crimson petals, this beautiful flower has a rich history steeped in folklore and myths, particularly in East Asian cultures.

Traditionally, the red spider lily was planted on graves as a tribute to the departed in China, Korea, and Japan. Its prevalence in cemeteries led to it being associated with death and the afterlife, earning it nicknames like the "flower of death" or the "flower of Hell."

In anime, the red spider lily has become a powerful narrative device, appearing in many series such as Tokyo Ghoul, Hell Girl, Demon Slayer, Dororo, and many others. Its appearance signals a shift in tone, hinting at the heart-wrenching events to come.

That's why we've put together a blog post featuring five of the best spider lily tattoo ideas inspired by iconic moments in anime. These tattoos beautifully capture the essence of this mysterious flower and the emotions it evokes.

Red Spider Lily Tattoo

Artist: Taylor Hagerty

Taylor Hagerty's rendition of the red spider lily tattoo is a breathtaking homage to the iconic anime series, Inuyasha. With vivid hues of crimson, these pop red spider lilies bloom vibrantly on the skin, capturing the essence of beauty tinged with melancholy.

For many, spider lilies evoke a myriad of memories and emotions, each unique to the individual. And for Taylor Hagerty, these blooms remind him of Inuyasha — the falling snow, the Ferris wheel, and Kagome gazing out of the window.

Tokyo Ghoul Red Spider Lily Tattoo

Artist: Anna Kowacka

In Tokyo Ghoul, the transformation of white carnations into red spider lilies marks a pivotal moment in Kaneki's life — a symbolic death of his former self and the birth of a new persona forged in anguish.

The inclusion of a centipede and backward counting numbers adds to the tattoo's narrative. These elements, synonymous with Kaneki's torturous ordeal, serve as a reminder of the pain and suffering he endured. Yet, they also symbolize resilience and the indomitable spirit that drives him forward.

Tokyo Ghoul Black Spider Lily Tattoo

Artist: Chadwick Dickson

When you think of Spider Lily, Tokyo Ghoul probably pops into your head right away. So it makes sense to have a few spider lily tattoos from the show. This black and white spider lily tattoo is pretty similar to the one we saw earlier. Anna went for the red version, while Chadwick chose the black one. Using black instead of red gives the tattoo a spooky, almost gothic vibe, but it still carries the same deep meaning as the red spider lily.

Demon Slayer x Overlord Spider Lily Tattoo

Artist: Zed Zeitzmann

This unique mashup tattoo by Zed Zeitzmann blends two iconic anime—Demon Slayer and Overlord—into a single breathtaking design. On the left side, we see Sabito’s fox mask, a symbol of guidance, loss, and the lingering spirits of fallen Demon Slayers. On the right, Ainz Ooal Gown’s skull-like face from Overlord looms ominously, representing absolute power, death, and the inevitability of fate. Bridging these two contrasting characters are vibrant red spider lilies, tying the design together with their deep symbolism.

Blue Spider Lily Tattoo - Demon Slayer

Artist: E.nal

In the world of Demon Slayer, the Blue Spider Lily holds a significance shrouded in legend. Described as a flower with hues of blue instead of the traditional red, it plays a pivotal role in the story's lore. During the Heian Period, it was believed to be a crucial ingredient in a medicine used for the treatment of Muzan Kibutsuji, the series' formidable antagonist.

E.nal's Blue Spider Lily tattoo from Demon Slayer encapsulates the essence of myth and mystery, bringing to life a flower that exists only in the realm of fantasy. With delicate strokes of light and dark blue, this watercolor-inspired tattoo captures the ethereal beauty of the Blue Spider Lily, a mythical counterpart to its more ominous red sibling.

Life Goes On

Artist: Abi Kishibe

The choice of red spider lilies, with their rich, dark hue, adds depth and symbolism to the tattoo “Life goes on” phrase. Traditionally associated with themes of death and farewell, the presence of these blooms serves as a beautiful juxtaposition to the uplifting message of the tattoo. It's a reminder that even amidst moments of sorrow and loss, there is still room for hope and renewal.

Red Spider Lily Back Tattoo

Artist: Sebastian Olivares

Sebastian Olivares' Red Spider Lily Back Tattoo is a stunning testament to the beauty of both art and endurance. Positioned delicately along the spine, this vibrant red flower blooms boldly on the canvas of the skin, exuding elegance and grace.

Spine tattoos hold a special allure, particularly for women, adding a touch of sophistication to one's appearance. In this tattoo, the red spider lily takes center stage, its petals unfurling majestically across the upper back, while the stem gracefully descends along the spine to the lower back.

However, as with any spine tattoo, it's essential to acknowledge the discomfort that accompanies the process. Spine tattoos are notorious for their intensity, testing one's threshold for pain. Yet, for those willing to endure the discomfort, the result is nothing short of breathtaking.

Flower of Death Tattoo

Artist: Jemin Ren

This tattoo takes the Japanese red spider lily’s connection to death and tragedy to the next level. Instead of a bullet, a realistic handgun fires a delicate yet haunting red spider lily, blending themes of violence and mortality in a striking way.

The red spider lily, often associated with farewells, death, and the afterlife, has been a recurring symbol in anime like Tokyo Ghoul and Demon Slayer. This design seems to embody the idea that life is fleeting, and death is inevitable—yet even in destruction, there can be beauty.

Jemin Ren has done an excellent job making the gun look hyper-realistic while keeping the flower’s blood-like ink flow expressive and organic. It’s a bold and thought-provoking piece, perfect for those drawn to deep symbolism in their tattoos.

Beautiful Spider Lily Tattoo

Artist - Mark Castellanos

This elegant back tattoo showcases a stylized red spider lily in full bloom, embodying both beauty and symbolism. The petals are designed with a fluid, watercolor-like effect, blending shades of crimson and black to create depth and intensity. The flower’s graceful stem descends down the back, enhancing the tattoo’s natural flow.

The delicate, painterly strokes give the piece a modern artistic flair, while the vibrant red hues remind us of the spider lily’s association with farewells, death, and new beginnings.

Kaneki’s Mask

Artist - Rigoberto Lopez

This striking tattoo combines the iconic black mask of Kaneki Ken from Tokyo Ghoul with a backdrop of vivid red spider lilies, creating a piece rich in symbolism and emotion. The menacing grin of Kaneki’s mask reflects the character’s duality—his struggle between human kindness and ghoul ferocity.

The red spider lilies, known as the “flower of death,” represent Kaneki’s transformation and rebirth, symbolizing the loss of his innocence and the painful journey that follows. The contrast between the dark, ominous mask and the vibrant red blooms emphasizes the bittersweet beauty of Kaneki’s story—one marked by suffering, resilience, and change.