“The calla lilies are in bloom again. Such a strange flower—suitable to any occasion. I carried them on my wedding day, and now I place them here in memory of something that has died.”
~ Katherine Hepburn – Stage Door (1937)
my calla lilies have finished for the year…
…but when they were blooming, I took delight in cutting them for the table.
Also called an Arum Lily, Lily of the Nile, Trumpet Lily, or Easter Lily, they a versatile flower.
But did you know that the coloured tube that makes calla lillies so recognisable is not its flower?!
It is its bract (a modified leaf that protects the flower’s reproductive system). The flower is much smaller and inside of the plant, on its pistil.
These graceful flowers hold significant meaning and symbolism across various cultures and traditions.
Representing many emotions and concepts – from birth to marriage, celebration to death.
calla means beauty in Greek
Zantedeschia aethiopica is one of the oldest flowers known to man. According to legend, it grew wherever Eve’s tears of sorrow fell, as she and Adam were leaving the Garden.
Beauty has a strong symbolic meaning with this variety of lily – be it delicate beauty, the beauty of wisdom or majestic beauty.
The zantedeschia albomaculata is also called the Spotted Arum Lily.
Associated with the Virgin Mary’s chastity, the Roman’s associated it with sexuality and lust.
As such, the symbolism of this lily ranges from chastity to lust, and even early death.
The calla lily is prominent in religious images that depict Christ’s resurrection. Many identify calla lilies with Easter for this reason.
It also symbolises rebirth and resurrection, and can often be found in funeral arrangements.
And then, to celebrate your sixth wedding anniversary… the flower of note is the calla lily.
I have the delicate, frost-tender white callas in my garden.
As with many flowers, their colour also has meaning associated with them.
White is purity, faithfulness, innocence and holiness.
And as is my practice, the blooms find their way into the Studio first… for some time in front of the camera.
One of the things I love so much about the calla, is whatever angle you photograph from, it presents a face.
curved petals and pristine hues
glimpses of their innermost secrets
And to quote Georgia O’Keefe…
“When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so they have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it whether they want to or not.”
If you love these flower photos as much as I do, please share them with a friend.
Thanks!
with peace, love and light,
Tasha xo
