MESSENGERS OF ROMANCE

As you follow the butterfly's flight through the winds of history, you will see that it has touched down on many ancient cultures and left its mark in many myths and legends. The beauty and symbolism of this fragile creature has been cherished for ages by the Egyptians, Native Americans, Greeks, Celts, Mexicans, Chinese and Aztecs.

Over the centuries, the winged form of a butterfly has constantly been associated with the "soul" and "rebirth." The Greeks even used the same word for "soul" and "butterfly," which was Psyche. In mythic romance, the love affair of the Goddess Psyche and the God Eros is considered an allegory of the flight of a soul, in its union with, and later separation, from the body.

It was the Chinese, however, who considered the jade butterfly a symbol of love which signified the wedding of two souls. A jade butterfly was often a cherished gift from bridegroom to bride.

Today, this aspect of the butterfly has worked its way into American culture and butterflies have become a symbol of souls uniting and rebirth via marriage. While years ago, it was common practice to "throw rice," it is now becoming more and more popular to release brilliantly-colored Monarch butterflies. These fanciful orange and black messengers send the congregation's wishes and prayers heavenward with aesthetic splendor and grace.

The rituals involving the release of the Monarchs differ from ceremony to ceremony. In some, many butterflies are released into the air at one time. In others, each guest gets the opportunity to release his/her own butterfly from a special keepsake releaser, which doubles as a party favor. Another custom is to release the butterflies in large, Aviary Releasers, which allow the couple and their guests to enjoy watching the butterflies throughout the reception. Butterflies used for these purposes are raised on butterfly farms and often cost as much as $7.50 each.

Throughout history, butterflies have been symbols of beauty, luck, elegance, grace and spiritual rebirth. At the dawn of the millenium, they have also achieved the distinct honor of symbolizing romance. May they spread love and good fortune, wherever they land!

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