cocoon
in it's new form. This is an excellent image for anyone contemplating,
or in the midst of a major change. A butterfly is a strong
symbol of metamorphosis, with distinct stages.
The butterfly
is a reminder to make changes when the opportunity arises.
Change and transformation are inevitable for us all, but it
does not have to be traumatic.
Butterfly
symbolism is also closely tied to the idea of spirits and
souls. It has been used in many religions and cultures.
Psyche
is the Greek word for both soul and butterfly. The belief
was that butterflies were human souls searching for a new
reincarnation. This symbolism was also used in early Christianity
as a symbol of the soul.
Celts
thought that women became pregnant by swallowing butterfly
souls. These butterfly-souls flew about seeking a new mother.
Other
cultures believed that spirits of the dead took the form of
white butterflies.
The Chinese
believed a jade butterfly suggested a wedding of souls, making
it an appropriate gift for the groom to give to his bride.
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