I often use symbols in my stories, although readers may not always
be aware of them. Since I minored in Art
History, I have studied works of art from Egypt to modern times. The focus in all my studies was symbolism. Symbols are used in various art forms to
convey different connotations from their literal meaning.
I really don’t care for bugs, but if I had to choose a
favorite, I’d have to go with the colorful and beautiful Butterfly. The lifecycle of the butterfly consists of
four stages, the egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
They represent transformation and change. The butterfly emphasizes the ability to move
from one state to the next, whether this is a life perspective, or a change in
being from physical form to spirit. The
butterfly endures profound changes to become an adult, and its message is to accept
the changes in our lives as casually as the butterfly. Like the butterfly changes, so to do our
soul’s by the end of our journey.
The butterfly is a powerful symbol in myth and religion. They are often associated with the soul in
many parts of the world. To the early
Christians, the butterfly symbolized the soul.
In China, the butterfly is seen as a symbol of conjugal bliss and
immortality. Native Americans view the
butterfly as a symbol of joy and change.
They also believed the color of the butterfly contains it’s own
message. To the Japanese, the white
butterfly symbolizes departed loved ones.
Butterflies serve as a reminder to not take things too seriously in
life. They remind us that change is not
only inevitable, but that it is also good, even if it doesn’t feel that way. So in essence, this pretty insect is telling
you to lighten up and allow the heaviness and tension to fly away with the
breeze, while you enjoy the ride.
Butterflies serve a higher purpose for many, and I have seen
first hand how departed loved ones make use of them. The stories I have could fill pages and I can’t
help finding the heaven sent butterflies amazing. The joy they bring to a hurting parent’s
heart is priceless. All hail the
butterfly.
