How did the Calla Lily get its name, and what is the meaning and Symbolism of the Calla Lily flower?
The Calla Lily received its name after the Greek word for beautiful, calla. The most common meanings for Calla Lilies are holiness, faithfulness, and purity, but they can also be a symbol of resurrection and rebirth. White-colored Calla Lilies are said to bring good luck, especially for weddings!
Calla Lilies are beautiful flowers, and they are used on many occasions. You will most likely notice Calla Lilies used as a table decoration if you’re at a social gathering. What do these flowers mean, and when can you gift them to somebody you care about? Read more to find out!
Where Did The Calla Lily Get Its Name?
The Calla Lily’s name is actually seen as a misnomer, as this flower isn’t a true lily or a true calla! Many people believe the Swedish botanist Carolus Lunnaeus made a mistake in naming this flower.
However, the error was corrected when German botanist, Karl Koch, created the genus Zantedeschia, but the first common name stayed stuck in people’s minds.
The Calla Lily consists of a spathe, which is the outer part of the flower. There is also a spadix, which can be seen as the yellow spike in the center of the spathe. The spathe is actually not a flower petal but a modified leaf.
The Calla Lily is associated with the well-known Greek goddess, Hera. According to the legend, Zeus brought Hercules, which was his son from another woman, to Hera, which was her wife. She was asleep, and he forced his son to drink her milk.
When she woke up, she pushed the baby away, with a few drops flying across the sky, creating the milky way we know today. The drops of milk that landed on the ground grew into stunning Calla Lilies.
When Venus, the goddess of love, desire, and beauty, saw the lilies, she was immediately overcome with jealousness, as she did not see the same beauty in herself.
Venus then cursed the beauty by placing a long, prominent pistil in the middle of each Calla Lily.
Because of this story, some people associate the Calla Lily with Venus, and it then becomes a symbol of sexuality and lust.
However, the most common and popular meaning for Calla Lilies is faithfulness, purity, and holiness. The White Cala Lily is often seen in images of the Virgin Mary.
They can be seen as symbols of rebirth and resurrection, which are directly tied to the resurrection of Jesus.
The reason for this is that Calla Lilies often bloom around Easter, and also because they are shaped like trumpets, which is a symbol of triumph.
Calla Lilies And The Different Color Meanings
With Calla Lilies typically associated with a sense of purity and beauty, some people think there’s not much more meaning behind them.
Well, this is untrue, and the meaning of this stunning flower can differ depending on its color! With so many different types of Calla Lilies, there are plenty of colors you can choose from.
Let’s take a more in-depth look together at all the different striking colors Calla Lilies come in, along with each one’s meaning:
White Calla Lilies
White Calla lilies are the most popular color, and they are symbolic of youth and innocence. They are popular arrangements in wedding bouquets and are often paired with other flowers.
There is nothing more elegant than a white-colored Cala lily bouquet, and they look perfect when arranged with other soft colors, such as blue or pink.
Yellow Calla Lilies
Yellow Calla Lilies represent a sense of gratitude. If you are looking for a breathtaking, while being fragrant, yellow-colored flower to gift to someone, to show that you appreciate them, the yellow Calla Lily is perfect for the occasion!
Black Calla Lilies
Beautiful and boldly black Calla Lilies are strong symbols of beauty, mystery, and elegance. The black Calla Lilies can be used for funerals and shows us that there is beauty in even the darkest things.
Pink Calla Lilies
Pink symbolizes love, appreciation, and romance. Pink Calla lilies have a feminine touch to them, making them the perfect gift for a woman.
Pink Calla Lilies can be given on any occasion, but they make great Mother’s Day gifts!
Purple Calla Lilies
Purple calla lilies are symbols of wisdom, admiration, loyalty, and royalty, much like other purple flowers. These colored flowers make for great first in the springtime when everything starts to bloom and come alive after the winter.
You can wish somebody gratulations, show your appreciation and honor, or just as a birthday gift when you admire the person.
Red Calla Lilies
Red Calla Lilies are indicators of determination and courage. If you’re looking for a flower for your superior or boss, the red Cala Lily is the way to go. This flower will definitely catch the eye and make for a very memorable gift.
Conclusion
If you’re on the search for a breathtaking flower with deep symbolic meaning, a Calla Lily is the way to go. Symbolizing elegance along with sophistication, these flowers will make any event or occasion feel special, especially if they are gifted to worthy people.