A method for manufacturing a fluorescent substance is provided, which includes mixing a raw material for Eu, a raw material for Si, at least one raw material powder of alkaline earth, and at least one selected from the group consisting of raw materials for La , Gd, Cs, and K to obtain a mixture of raw materials; pre-firing the mixture to obtain a baked material; mixing the baked material and firing in a reducing atmosphere consisting of a mixed gas of N2/H2 to obtain a first fired product; pulverizing the first fired product to obtain a pulverized first fired product; firing the pulverized first fired product in a reducing atmosphere consisting of N2/H2 to obtain a fluorescent substance consisting of an alkaline earth ortho-silicate; pulverizing the fluorescent substance to obtain a fluorescent particle; sieving the fluorescent particle; and providing a surface-covering material on a surface of the fluorescent particle.