There is much that one can learn about -- and from -- these beautiful insects. Scientists and entomologists worldwide are on a never-ending quest to glean new data about the butterfly. Although myriad volumes have already been written by lepidopterists, scientists, and entomologists, there are sure to be even more volumes waiting in the wings.
We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have dedicated their time and energy researching Lepidoptera, and have so generously shared this information with the world. For how else would we know what to plant in our gardens that would both attract and feed butterflies? How would we know what food sources caterpillars require to survive through their chrysalis stages? How would we know what a "chrysalis" was, how it looks, or that one day it would become a beautiful, gossamer-winged butterfly? OR, how would we know that butterflies are one of Nature's finest plant pollinators, and also superb indicators of Planet Earth's environment?
Leaving the remarkable scientific realm for now, let's consider several perceptions about butterflies that have evolved over time.
MYTHOLOGY
Research about Greek mythology believes that Psyche, who was supposedly a mortal woman, was freed from death by Zeus, the supreme deity of the ancient Greeks. In Greek mythology, Psyche (i.e., "soul" in Greek) is often characterized as having butterfly wings. This seems to suggest to me that when Psyche's mortal body was freed from death, her "immortal soul" could soar and fly as free as a butterfly on leaving its chrysalis.
SYMBOLISMS
There are many symbolisms associated with the exotic butterfly; I will touch only briefly about a few of them. In China, butterflies are deemed as symbols for beauty in old age when linked with plum blossoms. Butterflies are regarded as symbols of one's soul by the Japanese, whereas two butterflies flying together are symbolic of a happy marriage. Ancient Aztecs believed butterflies to be the souls of warriors slain in battles, and that their fluttering wings were symbolic of energy. It is also no secret that from ancient days the butterfly has symbolized immortality.
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