Calla lilies are an ornamental summer flower that is native to South Africa. These trumpet-shaped flowers are popularly known as funeral flowers and are associated with the idea of rebirth, beauty, and purity.
Apart from being a wonderful indoor plant, the calla lily is used in flower arrangements for weddings due to its rich cultural and historical significance. Grown in colours ranging from white, pink, red, yellow, purple, black and a range, every colour signifies a different meaning and is associated with a new emotion.
If you are intrigued by the brief symbolism of these flowers, come along and explore the calla lily flower meaning and symbolism, along with popular uses.
Quick answer
The calla lilies flower meaning is associated with the idea of purity, innocence and beauty. The flower name is derived from the Greek word kallos, meaning beauty, which perfectly encapsulates the physical characteristics and the symbolic meaning.
While different cultures have their own set of understanding for the flowers, this meaning remains constant throughout the world.
What is the Calla Lily Flower Meaning?
Primarily, the calla lily flower is associated with the meaning of beauty, rebirth and innocence. This meaning can change as per the understanding of different cultures around the world.
- Symbol of purity, innocence and beauty.
- Signifies the idea of resurrection in Christianity.
- In the Greek culture, the flower is associated with the idea of elegant beauty and motherhood.
Symbolism of the Calla Lily Flower
Popularly used as funeral flowers, the calla lily symbolism is associated with the idea of rebirth and purity. These flowers are symbolically used to honour the departed soul.
Derived from the Greek word “kallos”, meaning beauty, the symbolism of the flower is also linked to beauty. Lastly, they also signify love due to their traditional use in wedding flower arrangements.
Historical and Cultural Significance of Calla Lily
In Greek mythology, the calla lily is associated with goddess Hera and Zeus, where he brought his son, birthed by another woman, to nurse from Hera while she was asleep. In rage, she pushed the baby away from her, and the milk splashed over and created the flowers.
According to Egyptians, this summer flower is associated with fertility and the creation of new life.
When to Use the Calla Lily Flower?
Calla lilies have a versatile application and can be used in indoor planting, flower arrangements and funerals.
Here are the main uses of calla lilies:
- Funerals: Calla lilies can be used in funerals to honour the departed soul as they are linked to the idea of rebirth.
- Weddings: They are popular as wedding flower arrangements and symbolise the beginning of a new life.
- Indoor Planting: These trumpet-shaped flowers can be planted easily indoors with minimal care.
- Corporate or Media Events: Purple calla lilies are extensively used in corporate events, photoshoots and can be used in luxury decor.
Calla Lily Flower Meaning in Different Colours
Calla lily flowers grow in a variety of colours like pink, white, red and purple, which signify affection, purity and love, respectively.
Take a look at the colour symbolism of the calla lily:
1. White
- One of the most popular colours of calla lilies, the white flower’s meaning is linked to the idea of purity and innocence.
- Therefore, they are popularly used in funerals to signify the idea of positivity and innocence.
2. Pink
- The pink calla lily, like all the pink flowers, signifies the idea of gentle romance and affection.
- They can be used to express secret admiration for someone.
3. Red
- Like all the red flowers, the red calla lilies are a symbol of passion and love, and are used in flower arrangements for weddings.
4. Purple
- The colour purple has always been associated with royalty and luxury, and in the case of calla lilies, these purple plants symbolise divinity, intuition and luxury.
- They are popularly used in luxury decor and corporate events
5. Yellow
- Yellow calla lilies are symbolic of friendship and joy, and can be paired up with other friendship flowers in a bouquet for friends and acquaintances.
Conclusion
Conclusively, the calla lily flower meaning is associated with the idea of purity, rebirth and innocence. All the different colours of the flowers are symbolic of different ideas, and different cultures have their own historical importance related to the flowers.
However, in essence, the flower is used in funerals to symbolise rebirth and purity and in weddings to mark new beginnings.
FAQs
What do calla lilies symbolise?
The calla lilies are a symbol of beauty, rebirth and purity.
Is a calla lily a lucky plant?
Yes, a calla lily is considered a lucky plant.
Why are calla lilies funeral flowers?
Calla lilies are a symbol of rebirth and resurrection, and therefore known as funeral flowers.
What does a calla lily symbolise in the bible?
In Christianity, the calla lily flower is associated with the idea of rebirth and resurrection.
