“Just like the
butterfly, I too will awaken in my own time.”
~ Deborah Chaskin
- Author
A
butterfly transforms from a caterpillar after a period of time in a cocoon into
a beautiful colorful creature that can take flight. The butterfly
symbolizes many things throughout its metamorphous and for Christians it
symbolizes the soul. I remember receiving a butterfly during a Cursillo
retreat, not understanding it’s meaning to Christians, but knowing that the
retreat was a healing process and that I emerged a better person.
In
our language we use many words and symbols. The meanings of these words
and symbols change depending on current usages, but have roots in ancient
languages. A symbol changes meaning depending on the creator, the viewer,
and a point in time. Symbols can have a powerful impact depending on their
usage and interpretation. Carl Jung writes that many of our symbols such as the
circle, which symbolizes “the whole” have been used for thousands of years.
Understanding and using symbols can have a powerful impact such as the cross in
Christianity. It represents more than the object itself, but faith,
suffering, reconciliation and resurrection through Jesus.
It is
interesting to observe our attention to advertising and trademarks.
Businesses and organizations use symbolism to project an image that people want
to emulate. Our clothes and cars become symbols of status or attitude and
people judge us based on them. In the process of commercialization, I
believe we often lose the deeper meanings and significance of
symbols. It has been amazing for me that when I am
communicating with others, especially ones I love, I use special symbols
whether it is a return address label or a card. I never know if the
receiver fully understands what I am communicating. Sometimes it is not even
known to me until a later point in time, but I long for that person to fully
understand the depth and breadth of my message.
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