In general, lilies symbolize innocence and purity, but there are several types of lilies used on gravestones and they have slightly different meanings.
![](https://karenmillerbennett.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Calla-Zion-Schumm-1-272x300.jpg)
Calla lily, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Ohio.
The image of calla lilies on a tombstone symbolizes majestic beauty, marriage, and fidelity.
![](https://karenmillerbennett.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Calla-ZS-1-286x300.jpg)
Calla lily, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Ohio.
![](https://karenmillerbennett.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Calla-ZS-3.jpg)
Calla lily, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Ohio.
The South African calla lily, with its beautiful vase-like blooms, was introduced in the U.S in the late 1800s. It wasn’t long after this that these flowers became popular funeral flowers and their images appeared as cemetery art.
![](https://karenmillerbennett.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Calla-ZS-2-117x300.jpg)
Calla lily, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Ohio.