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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Hsien (pronounced shun). Hsien is one of a group of benevolent spirits promoting good in the world. |
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!
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| Sun Catcher |
Some pictures of my butterfly product.
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| Sun Catcher |
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| Pendant |
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| Sun catcher |
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| Pendant |
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| Tile Table |
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