Butterflies are a delicate, colorful, and revered part of nature. They have been seen as magical by cultures around the world, often associated with the soul—or even the afterlife.
The metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly is both fascinating and symbolic, representing rebirth, strength, and hope. And for creatures with wings as fragile as lace, they are surprisingly capable travelers. Monarchs, for example, can cover 50 to 100 miles a day on their journey to central Mexico, where they spend the winter.
While butterflies might appear to be the stars of this story, they are only supporting actors.
Butterflies have always meant more to me than summer color or garden grace.
They’re time travelers, memory keepers, and—just once—co-stars in a story that landed unexpectedly in Times Square.
Here’s why they still make me smile.