Spring is just around the corner in the northern hemisphere, and while birds are singing and bees are fluttering, butterflies are starting to budge about too. They are a beautiful sight, and there can be many superstitions and folklore surrounding these creatures. The resilience of a butterfly is amazing if you pause and reflect. Their journey from a caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly is a dangerous one. The hibernation trip back and forth between climates is treacherous. Yet year after year, they keep showing up for us.
Despite their tiny size, butterflies have held a special place in human culture for centuries. Their journey from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to winged beauty has struck a chord with people of all cultures, all over the globe.
For many, their transitions have evoked stories that resonate with the mysteries of life and death. A symbol of hope, they are often seen as a sign that the human soul can break from earthly ties, darkness and confinement to fly into the light of immortality.
Butterflies have also been linked with love, marriage and longevity for many centuries. In ancient Greece, the butterfly was associated with Psyche, the goddess of the soul. In medieval Europe, it was often depicted as a symbol of Jesus Christ.
They are also seen as a symbol of good luck and a reminder that everything is going to be okay. Among Native Americans, butterflies are often associated with rebirth and hopefulness.
In Japan, they are thought to represent the souls of departed loved ones. They are said to return to check on their earth-bound family members and make sure they are doing well.
Their bright colors and distinct patterns portray brightness, which is why they are a symbol of happiness and joy in the culture. They are also a reminder that it is never too late to start living a better life.
A beautiful and colorful creature, the butterfly is a symbol of rebirth and life. It is also believed to be a sign of love and harmony in the world.
In ancient Rome, they were believed to represent a rebirth of their parents’ spirits, which was why they were given to young couples as wedding gifts.
The Aztecs and other ancient groups believe that the monarch butterfly is a soul returning to check in on their earth-bound loved ones. This is why they are often used as decorations during the Day of the Dead.
In Japan, monarch butterflies are believed to be a harbinger of happiness, they have long been seen as a sign of marital bliss and success.
Every year, thousands of people visit butterfly conservatories to see these beautiful, fluttering creatures. However, they may not realize the incredible journey that these insects undergo to reach their chrysalides and become butterflies.
In his book Rainbow Dust: Three Centuries of Butterfly Delight, Peter Marren describes butterflies as fluttering shards of stained glass. Butterflies possess a unique power to pierce and stir our souls. Peter Marren shows this not an isolated phenomenon, but a common one. For humans, butterflies are not only symbols of beauty and wonder, but also of spiritual enlightenment. One of a transcendent connection between nature and human life that can’t be denied.
Although it’s fun and peaceful to watch butterflies as they flutter about, it’s important to remember their critical pollination task. They are needed for the flowering plants as well as our food supply. By limiting our usage of harmful lawn and garden sprays will help keep the butterflies coming back to us year after year to display their brilliant colors as well as keeping food on our tables. Look for alternatives to keep the butterflies, birds and bees around for a long, long time!
Wendy Bjork, founder of HeartsofWellness.com/you is a pioneer in advocacy and mentorship. Wendy is leading a global revolution of women walking in purpose and peace as she illumines their path ahead with the light of HOPE: Harmony, Options, Peace & Empowerment.
She empowers women to step into their boldness, stand in their resilience and own their Truth. Through Wendy’s guidance, they are finally seen, heard and understood.
Wendy has authored two books and co-authored a third, “Fired Up!,” a #1 International bestseller. She is a regular contributor on the PriceofBusiness.com digital platforms and to the National MS Society’s Momentum Magazine. She is regularly invited on discussions, podcasts, interviews as she shares her story and hope to inspire others.
Wendy’s Archive: https://usadailypost.com/2022/09/07/wendy-bjorks-commentary-featured-on-price-of-business-digital-network/
Follow Wendy: wendy.sololink.me
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