A discharge lamp can be configured to include a glass tube bulb; a pair of discharge electrodes arranged within the glass tube bulb; and metal foils enclosed within sealing portions at both axial ends of the glass tube bulb so as to connect the discharge electrodes and externally extending lead wires. The metal foils can be provided with cuts and/or holes of various shapes and sizes acting as a stress alleviating portion for alleviating stress due to temperature variations.