🐛 + ⚪️ + 🦋
I have always been fascinated by the deeper symbolism and spiritual meaning of everything. I am constantly finding myself asking “why is that here” or “what is the purpose of that thing.” My curiosity leads me to endless research, extensive spreadsheets, and deep conversations on my quest to find the meaning of life. And, while I will not bore you with life’s meaning today, I will share my take on the life cycle of the butterfly, the deeper meaning of the butterfly, and how it all relates to us.
Here at Alice Hilton, we love a good butterfly. If it has wings, we are flying. If it says emerge, we are transforming. And, if it says evolve, we are growing.
Let’s start with the life cycle of the butterfly. Did you know that a butterfly experiences four life cycles?
The first is the egg. 🥚
The female butterfly will lay her eggs in a field of plants. She does this so that when the egg hatches into a caterpillar, it immediately has a source for food (16).
The second is the caterpillar. 🐛
To reach this cycle is impressive. The female butterfly lays hundreds of eggs of which only few survive given that the caterpillar must endure changes in weather, other species on the hunt, and potential for disease. During this cycle, the caterpillar sloughs its skin many times in order to continue to grow (17).
The third is the chrysalis. ⚪️
When the caterpillar is fully grown, it will find a safe place to begin spinning its silk web that forms into a chrysalis (17). While the caterpillar typically stays in the chrysalis for a couple of weeks, it can remain in this cycle for up to three years depending on its environment.
The fourth is the butterfly. 🦋
When the butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, her wings are droopy. Before she can fly, she must pump her wings with fluid and hold space for them to straighten out. When her wings are ready, she flies to find a mate and the right field of plants to begin the cycle over again.
There is so much symbolism in the butterfly. Many find that the butterfly is an exemplary symbol for change and transformation (18). If you are reading this and you are anything like my family, you may be thinking to yourself . . . “Is this girl some strange spiritual girl who is turning her back on her Catholic faith?” Noooooooo. More like a strange spiritual girl who wants to help you expand your perception of reality and encourage you to see the meaning behind what is around you. If you look closely, you may find that each cycle is representative of our life and relationship with Christ.
The first is the egg. 🥚
The butterfly plants the egg where it will begin its journey. Similarly, Christ places us into our biological families, environments, and situations that will become the start of our journey.
The second is the caterpillar. 🐛
The caterpillar is growing quickly while handling adversity to maintain life. Comparably we journey through life growing while navigating life’s ups and downs.
The third is the chrysalis. ⚪️
The caterpillar then weaves a silk web around itself and enters darkness. Likewise, our souls must experience the darkness. Here, our relationship with Christ is disconnected, and we sin.
The fourth is the butterfly. 🦋
In order to free itself, the chrysalis must decompose and shed its entire being. It is then that the butterfly can lift itself up and emerge into the light. Much like the butterfly, our own souls experience death and rebirth. It is only through Christ that we are reborn and able to emerge into the light. Corinthians 15: 20-22 teaches that “for as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (19).
And, if you are wondering what my small butterfly obsession has to do with you and this website, keep reading (you are almost there).
The mission of Alice-Hilton is to help bring positive growth and transformation to you. We want to shed a little light on whatever darkness you are going through. Whether it be in your relationships 🦋, in your style ⛲, in your home 🫖, in your career 💾, or more 🪺, we want to leave you a little better than how we found you.
So, the next time you see a butterfly flying nearby, typed as an emoji, or painted on your local mural, remember that your higher self is reminding you that you are growing, evolving, and transforming into something far greater than you can even imagine.
If your relationships, style, home, or career are starting to feel like disconnection, inauthentic, or cloudy, start your transformation here.
Thanks for visiting Alice-Hilton. Share this blog with someone who is doing great. We hope you leave here feeling like you have emerged into the beautiful butterfly that you are.
AND, YOU ARE DOING GREAT 🦋.
See resource link at the bottom of the Blog page for resources.