The Meaning & Symbolism of Calla Lilies
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more unusual flower with such a deeply rooted cultural and historical significance as the calla lily. Surely you’ve seen this blossom before – it’s a popular choice for weddings, as well as other romantic holidays and occasions, and there’s a reason behind this. Just as other flowers have a distinct symbolic meaning or associated emotions, so does the calla lily. With its ivory white petals and lush green leaves, this elegant bloom is more than just something pretty to place in a vase. These flowers have been sought after for centuries and the varietal lily colors are loved by many.
What Have Calla Lilies Come to Represent?
Did you know that calla lilies are not true lilies? Despite what their name suggests, the calla lily belongs to the genus Zantedeschia and is a member of the Araceae family, along with the caladium and philodendron. It’s also known as the pig lily, trumpet lily and arum lily, and begins to blossom in late spring.
So why is the name so misleading? Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus made a mistake when he was naming the species. Later, the German botanist Karl Koch corrected the error and established the genus Zantedeschia, but the name stuck.
When Do Calla Lilies Bloom?
Generally, calla lilies are planted in the spring and bloom beautifully throughout the summer and fall. By the middle of those warm, sunny summer days, you can indulge in the beauty of a variety of lily colors blossoming in your garden.
Most Popular Colors for the Calla Lily
Calla lilies are commonly white, but other calla lily colors include yellow, pink, green, purple, orange and black. With the variety of colors available, the calla lily meaning in feng shui commonly differs depending on the one you choose. While white naturally says purity and innocence, pink has a connotation of admiration and appreciation. Purple, often expressing royalty, denotes passion, while the yellow lily is typically associated with gratitude. Black calla lilies, which have a striking and dramatic appearance, carry a certain elegance and mystery. Though they are more of a dark purple or maroon than black, they are still highly sought after by gardeners and flower enthusiasts.
Traditions Associated with Calla Lilies
You have likely spotted classic white calla lilies at a wedding, and that’s because they are traditional symbols of divinity, marital bliss and true devotion. More specifically, the calla lily marks the 6th wedding anniversary. However, they have also been used at funerals to represent sympathy and the purification of a departed soul. This exquisite flower in an assortment of lily colors is an appropriate flower for any occasion that involves major transitions, rebirths and new beginnings.
Considering the calla lily meaning in feng shui and all of this flower’s other associations, these spring blooms are certainly a beautiful and fitting choice for any occasion. If you’re a fan of calla lilies, browse the different lily colors Teleflora has to offer and check out our bouquets today.