Calla lilies are one of the most popular flower varieties, and their meaning is often misinterpreted.
Calla lilies, also known as the arum lily, are known for their beauty and simplicity. They evoke feelings of purity, elegance, and white wedding flowers. The calla lily flower meaning is associated with a sense of peace. It’s no wonder that the calla lily flower meanings are so popular in weddings!
However, the symbolism does not stop there. So what’s the true calla lily meaning? In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the flower language of this plant.
What Does the Name “Calla Lily” Mean?
In the language of flowers, calla lilies mean “beauty.” The name derives from the Greek word for beauty, kallos. This flower is also associated with faithfulness and purity.
The legend behind the calla lily’s common name is that a man was in love with a woman who rejected him because he could not provide her with wealth or status. He proved his unwavering devotion by waiting for her outside her window every day, holding out a single white calla lily to her as she passed by.
Officially, the name of the calla lily was designated by the Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus. It’s also known as the trumpet lily and the pig lily.
Some etymologists also suggest that the calla lily was named after the Greek goddess, Calliope, who was known as a beautiful muse and patron of music. Calla lilies have come to symbolize elegance and beauty that will last forever.
They also represent the crowning achievement in any endeavor one has worked hard for.
In ancient Greece, it was used to represent both death and resurrection.
According to Greek mythology, the Greeks would cut the stems from the ground, dip them into the water and place them in jars as they passed away. They believed that when they died their souls would be carried by the flowers back to paradise.
The calla lily belongs to the family Arums. While classic white calla lilies are the most common, the calla lily marks all kinds of symbolic events, and can be found in many colors.
What Do Calla Lilies Symbolize?
Calla lily flowers have been a symbol of beauty and perfection in the flower world for centuries. They are one of the most popular flowers to give as a gift and they signify purity, love, devotion, royalty, feminine charm, and elegance.
Calla lilies are often associated with funerals, but they have been used as symbols of a couple’s love since the Victorian era.
A calla lily is a type of flower that comes in an assortment of colors, including white.
What Does a White Calla Lily Mean?
The classic white calla lily is often used in wedding bouquets or centerpieces because it represents purity and innocence. White naturally is the best choice for this, as is the case with most wedding ceremonies.
White calla lilies are often put on display during the Easter season to symbolize a fresh start and new beginnings. They’re symbolic of marital bliss!
They are occasionally used in funeral arrangements as well, with their trumpet like shape offering a serene, calming display within floral arrangements. These beautiful lilies are also associated with the Virgin Mary and the Greek goddess Hera,
What Does a Pink Calla Lily Symbolize?
Pink calla lilies are typically used to symbolize admiration, appreciation, and beauty.
What Does a Purple Calla Lily Symbolize?
Dark purple calla lilies symbolize passion and charm, as well as royalty. They are wonderful flowers to use at funerals as a sign of respect, admiration, and appreciation.
The color also denotes passion with its dramatic appearance, and commands a certain elegance!
What Does a Yellow Calla Lily Represent?
Yellow calla lilies, like most yellow flowers, can be used to symbolize happiness, joy, and friendship. However, they are often used to symbolize gratitude as well (and make a wonderful thank you gift!).
What Does Orange Calla Lily Represent?
Orange calla lilies are often associated with gratitude, enthusiasm and joyfulness. They can also represent fascination, admiration and pride.
As is the case with white calla lilies, they can also be used to represent sympathy, new beginnings, and true devotion.
What Do Red Calla Lilies Symbolize?
A red Calla Lily symbolizes passion, love, and desire; it’s a perfect gift for a romantic partner or a person you have strong feelings for. The red Calla Lily’s bold and vibrant nature makes it an ideal addition to a bouquet or arrangement that needs a pop of eye-catching color.
What Do Black Calla Lilies Represent?
On the other hand, black lilies represent mystery, strength, and power. These unique and elegant blooms are ideal for adding a touch of sophistication to any floral arrangement and are a popular choice for formal events.
Black Calla Lilies are an extraordinary complement to white flowers, offering a perfect contrast with their striking and dramatic appearance.
The deep hue of black lilies can also represent death and rebirth, making them a popular choice as traditional symbols for funerals and memorials.
What is the Cultural Significance of a Calla Lily?
Calla lilies are a flower that signifies purity, innocence, and love, with symbolism that dates back many centuries. Legend has it that the Queen of Sheba presented a calla lily to King Solomon as proof of her devotion. The queen told the king she had given him this gift because he was “all lovely.”
Calla lilies are a popular funeral flower, and their meaning is very straightforward: they signify love for those that are still living as well as those who have passed on.
They are often used as a symbol for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Christianity, these flowers represent purity and chastity because they are not usually found growing near water sources like other plants. Calla lilies are also seen to be symbols of love, rebirth, and fertility because they grow from bulbs that can produce up to 50 shoots per year!
What is the Symbolism of a Calla Lily Tattoo?
A calla lily tattoo is a beautiful choice for an individual looking to wear something that represents their deep love for someone. Calla lilies are the flower of romance and beauty, representative of both inner and outer beauty.
They also represent the soul’s deepest desires and emotions, whatever they may be – which is why they make such a great subject matter in tattoos. This type of flower can evoke many different feelings from anyone who sees it.
A calla lily tattoo can even be interpreted as being symbolic of a hidden secret or an unknown past.
When Should You Give Someone a Calla Lily?
If you are looking for a beautiful and fragrant flower to give someone as a gift, consider giving them a calla lily plant. These flowers come in many different colors and are available year-round. They can be given on any occasion, but they do make an especially nice Mother’s Day or birthday present.
If you’re looking for a flower with meaning, calla lilies are the way to go. Symbolizing elegance and sophistication, these flowers will make any event feel special. There’s nothing more elegant than white calla lilies that look perfect in an arrangement with other soft colors like pink or blue.
Calla lilies can be used as thank you gifts, congratulations gifts or even just to say hello. The perfect time of year for giving these flowers is in the springtime when everything is starting to bloom and come alive again.
Also check our articles on lily meaning and daylily symbolism.
Up next: What to plant with calla lilies
*image by Dan74/depositphotos
