Saw this cute image and wanted to share what my ancestors taught me 🦋⁣ ⁣ 🦋Recently I’ve been learning about Monarch butterflies historically coming by the ~millions~ to parts of Mexico where our ancestors harnessed their presence as a symbolic reminder to us every year that life and death are cyclical.🌀 It was believed that Monarch butterflies gave flight to ones’ spirit after death. 🥀⁣ ⁣ I know we aren’t currently near that time of year, but I’m learning that stories of departed warriors and loved ones during Mexicans celebrations of Dia De Los Muertos aligns with the migration of these little flutter bugs 🥺👏🏽 A connected celebration I dream of seeing IRL one day.😭⁣ ⁣ Because of the monarch migration aligning with Dia De Los Muertos, some folks believe monarchs to be deceased family members coming back to visit their families ~and some~ believe them to be spirits of the forrest ushering the spirits of loved ones after death. IDK what is more wholesome than that?!?!🥺🌳⁣ ⁣ The second image is showing a 14th Century Aztec butterfly stamp showcased at the Met. An excerpt I found while searching through the Aztec and Toltec artifacts at the @metmuseum - “Interestingly, whereas moths are largely nocturnal insects, butterflies are diurnal and typically emerge from their cocoons at dawn. In fact, the Nahuatl word for cocoon (cochipilotl) derives from piloa ("pending") and cochi ("sleeper"), indicating a strong interest in the lifelessness that precedes a butterfly’s sudden, often ravenous re-animation.“⁣ ⁣ I love learning about Monarch butterflies. They are important pollinators that feed on wildflowers like milkweed, and in turn they provide food for small critters and their presence can be an indicator of a healthy ecosystem.⁣ ⁣ In conclusion, we exist so briefly and in beautiful balance. Now every time I see a butterfly, imma cry and spread my little wings. 🥺🤎⁣ ⁣ 🦋Which butterflies did your ancestors watch flutter about? 🦋⁣ ⁣ [Butterfly Graphic Image from Table Top Whale]⁣ ⁣ Also - props to me for randomly researching butterflies even though my inbox is 💀😭 ⁣ ⁣ #IntersectionalEnvironmentalist #IntersectionalEnvironmentalism #mexicanart #ancestors