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| Monarch Butterfly by Art Planet Photo courtesy of Public Domain Pictures |
I've collected a few things in my life. When I was a kid, I collected Barbies and books. As a teen, I collected candles and books. When I was a little older than a teen, I collected autographs (fun hobby!) and books. (I think there's a pattern here!)
Now that I'm (suddenly) a lot older than a teen, I collect too many books, too much dust, and butterflies, especially those of the monarch variety, which are fairly easy to recognize by their orange and black pattern. Aren't they gorgeous? I love how their colors light up the sky!
Now I should clarify that I don't collect the butterflies themselves but instead choose items with their images--pins, magnets, bookmarks, photos...anything that catches my eye. I started my collection a few years ago when I was going through a rough time in my personal life and needed to remind myself that every day is a fresh start. For me, butterflies represent rebirth. Their metamorphosis from caterpillar to creatures of such great beauty signifies that a new beginning is possible and renews my hope in the future.
I did some research today on the symbolism of butterflies and learned that in some cultures, they are considered to be good luck. In other cultures, they are bad omens, symbols of the horrible luck that is to come. Some view them as a sign that a loved one will soon visit, and others contend that seeing one means that someone in the family will die. Still others say that seeing two butterflies flying together is a symbol of love.
For me, though, the butterfly will always be a reminder that, as Scarlett O'Hara said so well, "Tomorrow is another day"--a day full of hope and promise and another chance at life!
Do you collect anything? What made you start your collection?
