Calla Lily: Meaning of Different Colors and Symbolism

By: Matt Slaymaker
March 1, 2025
Calla Lily Meaning and Symbolism
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Calla Lilies are beautiful flowers with smooth, trumpet-shaped petals. They are known for their deep meanings, spending on their color. From gratitude and admiration to passion and mystery, Calla Lilies are ideal for conveying a special message when gifting them to someone on various occasions. 

What does a purple Calla Lily mean spiritually? Or which emotion could you express with a cheerful Calla Lily gift, blooming in yellow? 

Keep reading to learn about the meaning of Calla Lily and what different colors represent when giving it to a special someone.

About Calla Lily

About Calla Lilies

Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), commonly called Arum Lily, is a long-lasting flower, often used in wedding floral arrangements and bouquets. It is also a popular indoor potted plant that can easily transform spaces and bring a pop of color to urban jungles

The Calla Lily features smooth, trumpet-shaped blooms and a long, sturdy stem. This beauty’s delicate appearance makes it a favorite plant gift for various occasions. 

The Calla Lily originates from South Africa and loves the warm weather of USDA zones 8-10 to thrive. If planting it indoors, give it well-draining soil, plenty of indirect sunlight, and regular watering. Calla Lilies are relatively easy-care plants, however, they are toxic to pets. So, keep them out of reach of your playful cats and dogs. Calla Lilies come in various stunning colors, each with a meaning and symbolic significance. 


What Is the Myth of Calla Lily?

In Greek mythology, the Calla Lily is associated with a fascinating story. Zeus, the king of the gods, wanted baby Hercules to drink Hera’s milk while she was asleep. When she woke up and realized what was happening, she got angry and pushed him away. The milk spilled into the sky and became the Milky Way, while the drops that landed on Earth bloomed into Calla Lilies. 

This beautiful myth gives Calla Lily an extra layer of mystery and charm.

Calla Lilies: Meaning, Symbolism, & Colors

Calla Lily Meaning of Different Colors

What does a Calla Lily symbolize? A Calla Lily symbolizes balance and harmony. Its smooth, flowing shape represents peace and unity, while its strong stem represents inner strength and resilience. Many see this beautiful blooming plant as a symbol of clarity and wisdom, helping to bring focus and calmness. 

What Is the Spiritual Meaning of a Calla Lily?

Calla Lilies have deep spiritual meaning. They are associated with inner strength, hope, and the journey toward a fresh start in one’s life. In European culture, white Calla Lilies represent purity and peace, while colored ones carry different meanings. Some believe they bring good luck and positive energy by keeping away negativity.


Calla Lily: Color Meaning

The best way to understand the meaning of the Calla Lily flower is by looking at its color: 

  • Black Calla Lily meaning: Conveys elegance and mystery of a ‘Gilded glamour' era movie. 

  • Pink Calla Lily meaning: The Pink Calla Lily symbolizes appreciation and admiration.

  • Purple Calla Lily meaning: Purple plants are associated with intuition and divinity, however, the Purple Calla Lily represents passion. 

  • Red Calla Lily meaning: Red plants, including Calla Lilies, resonate with courage, passion, and beauty. 

  • Yellow Calla Lily meaning: Associated with gratitude, the Yellow Calla Lily also means joy and friendship. 

  • Orange Calla Lily meaning: Represents confidence and self-esteem. 

  • White Calla Lily meaning: It means purity, holiness, faithfulness, and innocence. 

Are Calla Lilies a Good Gift?

Is Calla Lily a Good Gift

What does it mean when someone gives you a Calla Lily? Like Peace Lilies, the Calla Lily makes a perfect gift that conveys a meaningful message of appreciation, comfort, healing, and new beginnings. 

You can also gift this versatile flower on any of the following occasions:

  • Easter: Calla Lilies are the most popular flowering plants in Christianity and make the perfect Easter gift, as they are associated with the Virgin Mary and the resurrection of Christ. 

  • Valentine's Day: All Calla Lily varieties can make Valentine's Day special and romantic

  • Funeral: Calla Lilies are associated with rebirth and sympathy, so they are appropriate for expressing support and grief.

  • Wedding Anniversary: White Calla Lilies, in particular, are perfect for celebrating a couple’s 6th wedding anniversary for their association with love, growth, and transition. 

  • Birthday: The Calla Lily’s delicate blooms and meaningful symbolism make it a memorable birthday gift for your loved one. 

  • Mother’s Day: Calla Lilies are an ideal way to express love, gratitude, and devotion to mothers on Mother’s Day.


Calla Lily Meaning & Symbolism: FAQs

Q: What does the Calla Lily symbolize in a relationship?

A: In a relationship, the Calla Lily symbolizes deep love, loyalty, and devotion. It represents a strong bond between two people, bringing joy and happiness. Hence, giving Calla Lilies to your partner shows respect, admiration, and a promise of a beautiful and lasting connection.

Q: What is the rarest color of Calla Lily?

A: The deep purple-black hue of the Odessa Calla Lily is the rarest among all the known Calla Lily varieties. Symbolically, it evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue, making it a popular choice for Halloween decoration. 

Q: Are Calla Lilies only for funerals?

A: No, Calla Lilies are not only for funerals. These elegant cut flowers make a thoughtful gift on several occasions, including wedding anniversaries (particularly, the sixth), Easter, retirements, birthdays, and Valentine's Day, to name a few. 


Q: Are Calla Lilies good luck?

A: Yes, Calla Lilies, especially with white blooms, are considered to bring good luck. They represent prosperity, beauty, and new beginnings. People also associate them with renewal and hope, and they are often chosen for someone starting a new chapter in their life, such as a new job, home, or relationship.

Q: What do Calla Lilies represent biblically?

A: In the Bible, Calla Lilies symbolize purity, faith, and holiness. Christians link the flowers to the Virgin Mary, who is often depicted holding these blooms, and Jesus’s resurrection, representing new beginnings, rebirth, and divine blessings. Their trumpet-shaped blooms remind people of God’s grace, hope, and spiritual renewal.


Conclusion

Calla Lilies are more than just pretty flowers. Their colors have special meanings and symbolize love, peace, sympathy, strength, and wisdom. Plant lovers can convey a thoughtful message with a gorgeous Calla Lily on different fitting occasions.  

You can plant Calla Lilies with roses, orchids, or ferns and elevate your indoor garden or patio. These plants grow well together and create a lovely mix of colors and textures. Calla Lilies always add beauty and meaning, whether potted in the garden or in containers.