Calla Lily Symbolism: Hidden Meaning Behind Flower Colors
Have you ever looked at a flower and felt like it meant something more? The Calla Lily isn’t just a pretty plant—it holds deep meanings in religion, history, and personal emotions. Even though it’s called a “lily,” it actually belongs to the Zantedeschia genus and not the true lily family. What people often think of as a petal is actually a special kind of leaf called a bract.
So, why is the Calla Lily symbol so popular at weddings, funerals, and other life events? And what do its different colors say about the feelings we can’t always put into words? Let’s explore the powerful meaning behind this timeless flower.
About Calla Lily
A Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), despite its name, is not a true Lily. It’s part of the Zantedeschia genus, which belongs to the Arum family. Calla Lilies grow from rhizomes and produce striking, funnel-shaped flowers called spathes surrounding a yellow spadix.
This Arum lily is a popular indoor plant and long-lasting flower, loved for its trumpet-shaped blooms and sturdy stems. Native to South Africa, it thrives in USDA zones 8–10 and does well indoors with indirect sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
Key traits of Calla Lilies:
- Genus: Zantedeschia
- Flowers: Elegant, cup-shaped spathes
- Growth: Rhizomatous perennial
- Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 8–10; grown as annuals or houseplants in cooler zones
- Common colors: White, pink, purple, yellow, deep red
Frequently used in weddings and gifted for special occasions, this easy-care plant comes in a variety of colors—each holding symbolic meaning. However, it’s toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.
Symbolism and Meaning
What Does the Calla Lily Symbolize?
The Calla Lily symbolizes purity, new beginnings, spiritual devotion, and major life changes. It often shows up in art and ceremonies as a sign of something deeper.
Because of its smooth, trumpet-like shape, people connect it with celebration, beauty, and messages from above. In Greek myths, Christian traditions, and even modern-day meanings, the Calla Lily helps tell stories of life, death, and transformation.
Why Is the Calla Lily a Sign of Resurrection & Renewal?
Calla Lilies grow from bulbs and go through a cycle of rest and growth each year. This makes them a strong symbol for resurrection and fresh starts.
- Greek Myth: The Calla Lily was said to come from the milk of the goddess Hera.
- Funerals: They’re often used to show that the soul has moved on to another world.
- Christian Tradition: At Easter, the white Calla Lily represents Jesus’ resurrection and hope for new life.
This life-death-life cycle is why people feel connected to the flower when going through big changes.
What Do the Different Calla Lily Colors Mean?
Every Calla Lily color has its own message and these colors help people express different feelings in a quiet but powerful way.
Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
White | Purity, innocence, and spiritual love |
Yellow | Joy, friendship, and appreciation |
Pink | Love, kindness, and motherly care |
Red | Romance, courage, and strong emotions |
Purple | Mystery, royalty, and deep respect |
Black | Elegance, mystery, and strength |
Orange | Energy, confidence, and excitement |
What’s the Spiritual Meaning of the Calla Lily?
Spiritually, Calla Lilies are linked to balance, strength, and peaceful energy. In feng shui, they help bring harmony to a home or workspace. Their simple, elegant shape encourages calm thoughts and mindful living.
Are Calla Lilies Considered Lucky?
Yes! Many people think Calla Lilies bring good energy. They’re used to bring peace, love, and hope into a space—especially during life transitions. White Calla Lilies are especially seen as spiritual and are sometimes used in blessings or healing rituals.
Calla Lily in Culture and Belief
What Do Calla Lilies Mean in Christianity?
In Christian art and celebrations, Calla Lilies—especially white ones—stand for Mary’s purity and Jesus’ resurrection. Their shape looks like a trumpet, which ties in with the idea of announcing something holy. You’ll often see them used during Easter to represent faith, renewal, and the hope of life after death.
Where Do Calla Lilies Come From in Mythology?
In ancient Greek mythology, the Calla Lily flower has a magical story about how it began. It was said to grow from the milk of Hera, the powerful goddess of family and motherhood. When she was tricked into nursing baby Hercules, her milk spilled. Some drops went into the sky and became the Milky Way galaxy, while others fell to the Earth and grew into the first Calla Lilies.
Later, Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty, felt jealous of how lovely the flowers were. So, she added a golden center to each one. This legend shows how the Calla Lily became a symbol of beauty, divine power, and a touch of jealousy in Greek folklore.
What Is the Folklore of the Calla Lily?
The Calla Lily has been part of stories for a long time. People saw its shape and beauty and gave it special meanings. In different cultures, it became a symbol of love, strength, and even magic. These old stories help us understand why the flower feels so special today.
What Are the Ancient Myths Behind the Calla Lily?
The legends surrounding the Calla Lily add layers of depth to its meaning:
- Greek Mythology: The flower sprang from milk spilled by Hera, queen of the gods, symbolizing divine purity and feminine strength.
- Roman Myth: Venus, the goddess of beauty, cursed the lily out of jealousy. The yellow spadix (central spike) is seen as her mark of spite.
- Victorian Era: In floriography (the language of flowers), Calla Lilies signified refined mourning or a deep admiration for someone’s integrity.
Across cultures, this plant—also known as Zantedeschia—has symbolized beauty, mystery, and sacred femininity.
Giving and Using Calla Lilies
When Should You Give Calla Lilies?
Calla Lilies are perfect for many moments in life:
- Weddings: Stand for unity, love, and fresh starts
- Funerals: Show peace, remembrance, and spiritual comfort
- Easter: Symbolize Jesus’ rising and new life
- Anniversaries: Especially for the 6th year of marriage
- Mother’s Day: Pink lilies show gratitude and care
- Valentine’s Day: Red or pink lilies express deep love
They also make beautiful houseplants that add meaning and calm to your space.
What Does It Mean to Give a Calla Lily as a Gift?
A Calla Lily bouquet isn’t just pretty—it sends a message. Whether you’re saying thank you, expressing love, or offering support, this flower adds depth and care to your gift. They also pair beautifully with other flowers like ivy or hydrangeas to tell a bigger story.
Botanical Facts and Features
Is the Calla Lily a True Lily?
No, it’s not! The Calla Lily is part of the Araceae family, not the true lily family. Its pretty “petal” is actually a spathe, a special leaf that wraps around the real flower in the middle, called the spadix. This makes it even more unique and mysterious.
Fun Facts About Calla Lilies
- They come from South Africa.
- Named after Italian botanist Giovanni Zantedeschi.
- Grow best in USDA zones 8–10.
- Their petal is actually a bract (a special kind of leaf).
- Toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach.
- Rare type: Odessa Calla Lily, a deep purple-black flower.
How Do You Care for a Calla Lily Plant?
Caring for a Calla Lily is rewarding when you understand its needs throughout the year. These elegant plants aren’t too fussy, but they do have preferences when it comes to light, water, soil, and rest periods. Here’s how to keep your Calla Lily thriving:
Light
Calla Lilies love bright, indirect sunlight. They don’t do well in full, harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves. A spot near a sunny window with filtered light—like behind a sheer curtain—is ideal. If you’re growing them outdoors, choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade.
🔆 Tip: Not enough light? You may notice fewer blooms or leggy growth. Move the plant to a brighter spot without direct rays.
Water
These plants prefer consistently moist soil—but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering might cause the plant to wilt or stop blooming. Check the top inch of soil with your finger; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Expert insight: Always empty the saucer under your pot after watering so the roots don’t sit in excess water.
Soil
Use rich, well-draining soil. A high-quality potting mix with added organic matter like compost or peat moss works well. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root issues.
Do not do this: Avoid heavy clay soil or compacted dirt, which holds too much moisture. Mix in perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage if needed.
Temperature
Calla Lilies grow best in temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C). They are not frost-tolerant, so if you’re growing them outdoors and live in a cooler climate (below USDA Zone 8), bring them inside before the first frost.
Keep your Calla Lily away from drafts, air conditioners, or heaters, as sudden temperature changes can stress the plant.
Dormancy
In late fall or early winter, Calla Lilies naturally enter a rest period called dormancy. During this time, the leaves may yellow and die back. This is completely normal.
- Reduce watering gradually as the plant slows down.
- Stop fertilizing during dormancy.
- For potted indoor plants, let them rest in a cool, dry place and resume regular care in spring.
- For outdoor bulbs in cold climates, dig them up, dry them, and store them in a cool, dark place until spring.
Tip: Don’t throw it away when it looks like it’s dying—your Calla Lily is just sleeping and will come back!
Bonus Tips for Beautiful Blooms
- Feed your Calla Lily every 2–3 weeks during the growing season (spring to late summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
- Rotate your pot occasionally to ensure even growth.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new ones.
Final Thoughts: A Flower of Many Faces
From ancient myths to modern meanings, the Calla Lily is more than a flower. It’s a symbol of life’s deepest transitions—birth, love, loss, and spiritual rebirth. Whether you’re drawn to its elegance, its rich history, or its sacred feel, this bloom offers something profound.
Want to grow your own Calla Lilies or learn more about floral symbolism? Check out our guides on Lily vs Calla Lily or Peace lily flowers symbolisam to learn more about the indoor flowers.
