When it comes to saying goodbye to a loved one, it can be difficult to express our feelings into words.
Fortunately, we can convey our emotions through the language of flowers.
Calla lilies, in particular, are often associated with funerals, but why? In this article, we dive into the meaning of calla lilies, their popularity, their history, and how to choose and arrange them for a funeral.
We will also look at alternative flowers to consider.
Whether you are looking to honor the memory of a loved one or just curious about the meaning behind this romantic flower, lets learn more about why calla lilies are often used for funerals.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Calla lilies are often associated with funerals, but they are not strictly considered to be funeral flowers.
They are usually seen as a symbol of purity and innocence, which is why they are often used to decorate funeral services.
However, they can also be used to represent beauty and grace, so they can be used for a wide variety of occasions.
Meaning of the Calla Lily
The calla lily, also known as the arum lily, is a beautiful flower that is often used in funeral and memorial services.
It is most well-known for its elegant white blooms, which are thought to represent rebirth and renewal.
This makes it an especially fitting tribute for those who have passed away.
The calla lily is also associated with purity, faith, and innocence, as well as beauty and sophistication.
The symbolic meaning of the calla lily has been long-established in many cultures around the world.
In ancient Greece, the calla lily was associated with the goddess Hera, who was the goddess of marriage and family.
In Christian tradition, the white calla lily symbolizes purity and faithfulness – making it a popular choice for weddings and religious services.
Calla lilies are often used in funeral arrangements, bouquets, and corsages.
They are generally considered to be a traditional funeral flower, and are often used alongside other flowers such as roses and carnations.
The white color of the calla lily is thought to represent a hope for peace and tranquility for the deceased.
In addition to their traditional use in funeral services, calla lilies are also popular for special occasions, such as anniversaries and birthdays.
Their beauty and elegance make them a popular choice for any special event or celebration.
They are also often used in floral arrangements, as well as in wedding bouquets and centerpieces.
Calla lilies can be found in both fresh and silk varieties, making them an ideal choice for any occasion.
Whether you choose to use them in a funeral arrangement or a bouquet for a special event, the calla lily will bring beauty and elegance to any occasion.
Popularity of Calla Lilies for Funerals
Calla lilies have long been a popular choice for funerals and memorial services.
Their pure white petals represent beauty and innocence, making them a fitting tribute for those mourning the loss of a loved one.
The blooms are often chosen to symbolize rebirth and renewal, as their trumpet shape is thought to represent a trumpet of resurrection.
This symbolism is especially meaningful for those who have passed away and can provide comfort for their grieving family and friends.
Calla lilies are a traditional choice for funerals and are often used alongside other flowers such as roses and carnations.
They are often seen in arrangements, bouquets, and corsages.
The flowers can be either fresh or silk, depending on ones preference.
In some cultures, calla lilies are also used to decorate the casket of the deceased.
Calla lilies are known for their elegant and timeless beauty, making them a symbol of hope and renewal.
They are a popular choice for funerals because of their symbolism and beauty, and because they can be used in a variety of ways to create meaningful and special floral arrangements.
History of Calla Lilies at Funerals
Calla lilies have a long history of being used as funeral flowers.
The flowers were first used in burial rituals in Ancient Greece, where they were placed on the graves of fallen warriors.
They were also used in Roman funerals and were believed to represent the triumph of life over death.
In Victorian times, they were a popular choice for mourning bouquets and were a symbol of hope and remembrance.
More recently, calla lilies have become a popular choice for funeral arrangements and bouquets.
They are often used to represent the fragility of life, as well as the hope of resurrection and renewal.
The beautiful white flowers are seen as a tribute to those who have passed away, and a reminder of the beauty of life.
They are a timeless symbol of grief and remembrance, making them a fitting choice for funerals and memorial services.
Types of Calla Lilies
Calla lilies come in a variety of colors and sizes, and can be used in a variety of ways.
They can be available in either fresh or silk form, and can be used in arrangements, bouquets, and corsages.
The most common type of calla lily is the white variety, which symbolizes innocence and purity.
Other colors of calla lilies may have different meanings, such as pink, which symbolizes admiration, and yellow, which symbolizes joy and happiness.
There are also miniature calla lilies, which are smaller than the traditional type and are often used for smaller arrangements.
Some varieties, such as the pink and yellow, may be harder to find in some areas.
How to Choose Calla Lilies for a Funeral
When it comes to choosing calla lilies for a funeral, there are a few factors to consider.
First and foremost, it is important to consider the color of the flowers.
White is the traditional color associated with mourning and remembrance, but other colors may be used to signify different emotions.
For example, pink calla lilies can represent love and admiration, while yellow calla lilies can be used to represent hope and joy.
Consider the recipients lifestyle and personality when selecting the right color for the flowers.
The size of the calla lilies is also important.
Smaller calla lilies are typically used in corsages and bouquets, while larger calla lilies are often used in arrangements.
Consider the size of the arrangement when selecting the size of the calla lilies.
In addition, it is important to determine whether fresh or silk calla lilies should be used.
Fresh calla lilies are more expensive and may not last as long as silk calla lilies, but they are more vibrant and have a more realistic look.
Silk calla lilies are more affordable and long-lasting, but they may not look as realistic as fresh flowers.
Finally, it is important to consider the other flowers that will be used in the arrangement.
Calla lilies can be used alongside other flowers such as roses and carnations, or they can be used by themselves.
Consider the overall look and feel of the arrangement when selecting the other flowers.
By considering these factors, you can make sure that you select the perfect calla lilies for your funeral arrangement.
Arrangement Ideas with Calla Lilies
When it comes to creating a beautiful and meaningful memorial for a loved one, calla lilies can be a perfect addition.
Because of their delicate beauty and symbolic meaning, these flowers are often used in arrangements, bouquets, and corsages for funerals and memorial services.
One of the most popular arrangements featuring calla lilies is a cascading bouquet.
These bouquets are typically made up of white or off-white calla lilies, and can be accented with other colors and flowers, such as roses, carnations, and orchids.
These bouquets can be placed on the casket or used as a centerpiece.
Another classic way to use calla lilies in a funeral is to create a standing spray.
These sprays are typically made up of white or off-white calla lilies, and can be placed on an easel for display.
This type of arrangement is often used to adorn the front of the casket during the funeral service.
Calla lilies can also be used to create beautiful corsages for family members or friends of the deceased.
These corsages are typically made up of white or off-white calla lilies, and can be accented with other colors and flowers, such as roses, carnations, and orchids.
Finally, calla lilies can be used to create stunning centerpieces for the memorial service.
These centerpieces are typically made up of white or off-white calla lilies, and can be accented with other colors and flowers, such as roses, carnations, and orchids.
These centerpieces can be placed on a table or even the floor for display.
As you can see, there are many ways to use calla lilies in a funeral or memorial service.
Whether youre creating a cascading bouquet, standing spray, corsage, or centerpiece, calla lilies can add a touch of elegance and beauty to the occasion.
Alternatives to Calla Lilies for Funerals
Many people choose to honor a loved ones memory with flowers at funerals and memorial services.
While calla lilies are a popular choice for this purpose, there are plenty of other flowers that can be used as well.
Some of the more popular alternatives include roses, carnations, gladioli, chrysanthemums, and irises.
Roses are often seen as a symbol of love and beauty, while carnations represent remembrance and admiration.
Gladioli symbolize strength of character and enduring faith, chrysanthemums represent joy and optimism, and irises signify hope and faith.
Each type of flower has its own unique meaning, so its important to choose the right ones to best honor the memory of the deceased.
Final Thoughts
Calla lilies are a timeless and elegant choice for funerals and memorial services.
They represent rebirth and renewal, and their white color is a fitting tribute to those who have passed.
It’s important to consider the type of calla lilies you choose, as well as the arrangement style and other flowers you pair them with.
If you decide that calla lilies are not the right choice for you, there are many alternative flowers to consider for your funeral or memorial service.
Ultimately, the flower you choose should reflect the memory of your loved one.