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. 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. In fact, these flowers have been sought after for centuries.
Calla lilies are commonly white, but they also come in a variety of colors, including yellow, pink, green, purple, orange and black. The colored varieties are called mini calla lilies, and each carries a different meaning.
While white naturally says purity and innocence, pink has a connotation of admiration and appreciation. Purple, which is often associated with royalty, denotes passion. Yellow ones can carry a multitude of meanings, but are 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.
As mentioned, 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. The exquisite calla lily is an appropriate flower for any occasion that involves major transitions, rebirths and new beginnings.