Calla Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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calla
[ËkĂŚl.É ]
Definitions
flower type
A calla is a type of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Africa. It is known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers that can be white, yellow, or purple. Callas are often used in floral arrangements and symbolize purity and rebirth.
Synonyms
Zantedeschia, arum lily.
Examples of usage
- The bride carried a bouquet of white callas.
- She decorated the table with vibrant yellow callas.
- Callas thrive in moist environments and partial shade.
to call
To call someone means to communicate with someone by phone. It can also mean to summon someone or to name someone or something. This verb emphasizes the act of reaching out to another person or directing attention.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Please call me later tonight.
- I need to call the office for an update.
- She called her friend to discuss the plans.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Botanical Facts
- Calla lilies are not true lilies; they belong to the family Araceae.
- These flowers have a unique structure, featuring a spadix (the spike in the middle) surrounded by a spathe (the petal-like bract).
- They can grow in wetland areas, making them popular in ornamental ponds and gardens.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, calla lilies symbolize purity and majesty, often used in wedding bouquets.
- This flower is associated with funerals in some traditions, representing the departed's return to purity.
Art and Literature
- Calla lilies have been famously featured in artworks, including paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe, who emphasized their beauty and uniqueness.
- These flowers often appear in poetry to symbolize beauty, elegance, or complex emotions.
Medicinal Uses
- Some properties of calla lilies have been researched for potential medicinal uses, though care should be taken as the plant can be toxic.
- Limited traditional uses have been noted in herbal medicine, primarily applying to its appearance in folklore.
Origin of 'calla'
Main points about word origin
- The name 'calla' comes from the Greek word 'kallos,' which means beauty.
- Originally classified as 'Calla palustris,' this flower is often called 'water calla.'
The term 'calla' is derived from the Latin 'calla', which means 'beauty', and it produces a range of meanings associated with beauty in nature. The specific flower, commonly known as the calla lily, was initially classified by botanist Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. The calla lily is not actually a true lily; it belongs to the genus Zantedeschia. The original species were native to southern Africa but have gained global popularity for ornamental gardening and floral arrangements. In various cultures, calla lilies are associated with rebirth and resurrection, often used in weddings and funerals alike, making them significant symbols. The plant's elegant form and resilient nature further emphasize its beauty and adaptability, which is reflected in its name.