Blue Butterflies Live on in Art and Culture*
“Butterflies are nature’s angels. They remind us what a gift
it is to be alive.” — Robyn Nola
Dr Abe V Rotor
A pair of Menelaus** blue morpho butterflies (Morpho meneleus) Family
Nymphalidae. Painted by the author (tutor) and Hannah Laurente 15,
a coed from Ilocos Sur National High School, November 15, 2025
Lucky to find a blue butterfly around,
fluttering in the garden;
more so when re-created in painting;
it lives on unforgotten.
Hannah Laurente 15, poses with her artwork in acrylic on canvas. Background paintings by the author are: mounted Papilio swallowtail butterflies, and still life
relief floral painting, on display at the Living with Nature, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur.
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* Their brilliant blue wings are stunning, the color is caused by a diffraction of the light from millions of tiny scales on its wings, which scares away predators. - South Coast Botanic Garden. The morpho butterflies comprise many species of Neotropical butterfly under the genus Morpho. This genus includes more than 29 accepted species and 147 accepted subspecies, found mostly in South America, Mexico, and Central America. Internet** In Greek mythology, Menelaus was a Greek king of Mycenaean Sparta. According to the Iliad, the Trojan War began as a result of Menelaus's wife, Helen, fleeing to Troy with the Trojan prince Paris. Wikipedia
“I almost wish we were butterflies and liv'd but three summer days — three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain.” ― John Keats
Photograph by the author c. 2016
at his home garden in San Vicente, Ilocos Sur
God-like Narcissus has long been dead,
yet his butterfly still visits the water;
mythology lives on in art and culture,
and in young hearts for that matter. - avr
The myth of Narcissus is about a strikingly handsome youth who rejects the love of all who pursue him, including the nymph Echo. He is cursed by the gods to fall in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, a love he can never fulfill, and he eventually wastes away from despair. In most versions, he dies and is transformed into the flower that bears his name, the narcissus (or daffodil). To the author, the blue butterfly (photo) is a living symbol of Narcissus.
“Don’t waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend your garden, and the butterflies will come.” — Mario Quintana
ANNEX
A message for your path: The butterfly's journey across your path may signify that you are on the right track or being guided toward your true potential. AI Overview/Internet
A blue butterfly crossing your path is often seen as a symbol of hope, joy, and transformation. It can be interpreted as a sign of good luck, a wish coming true, or an encouragement to embrace personal growth and new beginnings. Some also see it as a messenger, a sign of being on the right path, or a spiritual reminder of the life cycle and beauty of nature. Common meanings and interpretations.
o Hope and joy: The blue color is strongly associated with powerful emotions like joy, hope, and peace.
o Transformation: Like all butterflies, a blue one symbolizes a profound metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly, representing rebirth and positive change.
o Good luck and wishes: Seeing a blue butterfly is frequently seen as a good omen, and it's believed by some to bring good luck or help make wishes come true.
o Spiritual guidance: Butterflies are sometimes seen as spiritual messengers, which can be interpreted as a sign from angels or a reminder to stay present and appreciate life's beauty.
o Personal growth: It can be an invitation to expand your awareness, make positive changes in your life, and move forward with a greater sense of purpose.
“Butterflies can’t see their wings. They can’t see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well.” — Naya Rivera
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