The autumnal equinox is called “higan,” and there is a beautiful red flower that blooms at this time of year. That’s why the flower is called “higanbana” in Japanese. In English, it is called a red spider lily because the flower has long thin things that look like spider legs. You can see red spider lilies here and there in the cities. There are some blooming along the street where I live. You can see them in the countryside, too. They are poisonous, so some farmers plant them around their fields to keep mice and other animals away. One of the most beautiful spots to see them in Aichi Prefecture is Handa City. The people there have planted three million red spider lilies, and when they are in bloom, it looks like a beautiful red carpet.   (136 words)

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