Saturday, October 27, 2012

The Enchanting Butterfly


The butterfly has captivated us with her exquisite splendor and delicate grace.    Our love affair with the butterfly throughout history has compelled us to immortalize her in literature, mythology, song and numerous art disciplines.    I have also become a captive to the butterfly’s magnificence.   I share with you how I have commemorated the butterfly and the interesting symbolisms from different cultures.   
Monarch Melody
 
My  favorite symbolism of the butterfly is from Greek mythology   The Greek word for butterfly is Psyche (pronounced sikee).  Psyche is the Greek Goddess of souls and is the wife of Eros (A.K.A. Cupid).  Psyche was once a mortal, a mortal that surpassed the beauty of Venus, Cupid’s mother.  Venus was jealous and did all in her power to stop her beloved son from falling in love with Psyche.  Venus failed numerous times at murdering Psyche.    Cupid (Eros) beseeched Zeus for mercy and Psyche was made immortal.  This love story has a happy ending and Psyche and Cupid wed.
Beloved Psyche
 
The Monarch butterfly  migrates to Anganueo, Mexico around the holidy known as The Day of the Dead.  The people of this town belive these butterflies are the returning souls of their deceased. 
Monarch Marvel
 
In one of the Russian dialects, butterflies are referred to as "dushuchka" which is a derivative of the word "dusha" also meaning soul.
Aurora's Aria  Aurora is the goddess of the dawn, renewing herself every morning by flying across the sky, announcing the arrival of the sun.


The Irish have a aphorism, “Butterflies are souls of the dead waiting to pass through purgatory".

Butterflies also symbolize: Resurrection, Transition, Celebration, Lightness, Time, and  Soul.

A Blue Butterfly (Blue Morph pictured)
A blue butterfly is used to show joy and happiness.  It is said that observing a blue butterfly or holding it can have a calming affect.  It is also considered a good omen, as they are rare sights in many parts of the world. 

Sapphire Splendor

The Mandarin Chinese word for butterfly is "hu-tieh". "Tieh" The Chinese translation of butterfly means "70 years", therefore they have become a symbol for a long life. In this culture, butterflies have also become representative of young men in love.

In the Japanese culture, butterflies are thought to be representative of young maidens and marital bliss.
Hsien (pronounced shun). Hsien is one of a group of benevolent spirits promoting good in the world.
 This amazing creature throughout history and all over the world has enchanted us. 
 
I have translated these designs into pendants, paper weights, sun catchers, decorative tiles, compacts and prints!   Please check out my Etsy site for more information! 
 
Sun Catcher
Some pictures of my butterfly product.
Sun Catcher

Pendant
Sun catcher
Pendant
Tile Table