Symbols

The butterfly.

A symbol of the transformation of the soul. Due to it's progression from catepillar to butterfly, ancient civilizations (i.e. Greek, Aztec, Central Asian) used the butterfly to signify great change, using it in many myths as well as on tombs of their loved ones.

The Lily.

It is generally accepted that the lily is the symbol of motherhood. In greek lore, it was said that the lily was created from the breast milk of Hera. It also is a symbol for high eroticism and sexuality. A short while later, the white lily began popping up in Christian art. Christians believe that the lily symbolizes chastity and is often associated with the virgin Mary.

So why do we do this? Why is a butterfly not just a butterfly or a lily just a lily? I believe it is a testament to the nature of the human race. It is our desire, for things to not lie quietly on the surface, but for life to have a deeper meaning. We are not fulfilled to see just the butterfly, we must be able to see the possibilities the butterfly represents. A lily is not just a flower but holds some mystery for us to unravel, lingering beneath what our eyes register. Symbolism is our way to attach meaning to the seemingly meaningless, to express what our intellect cannot see but our intuition cannot deny. How we interpret the rest, is a decision for our perception.