Big Doings in the Nursery

By 10 this morning, I had five brand new, perfect-in-every-way monarch butterflies in my nursery.  By noon, they were anxious to fly, so I sent each on their way in memory of someone who has passed from this mortal world.  There were two females and five males; and the females (one pictured here) didn't care to stick around for photos, so anxious were they to soar into the air.  The boys were a bit more accommodating, although one still must be quick. 

Today's releases were for a brother and sister, a police officer, a beloved mother (who passed only this week) and a former resident of the home where MIL lives.  And in case you are wondering why I do this, there is a belief in many ancient cultures that butterflies carry the spirits of loved ones who've come back for a visit.  In Mexico, where the eastern population of migratory Monarchs spend the winter, the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is celebrated at the end of October, which coincides with the Monarchs' arrival in the mountains near Mexico City.  Although this is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, it has special significance to those who live near  the state of Michoacán, where the Oyamel fir trees are the winter home to millions of monarch butterflies.

I have many more monarchs to be released this year, between now and early October, so please let me know if there is someone you'd like to remember.  And if you'd like to see other images from this year's Monarch Chronicles, see my public album HERE on FB

Another hot day in NJ, but thunderstorms later today are supposed to usher in a cooler front.  Which will be nice when I meet up with my group for our weekly nature walk.

Be well.

xo
Debbi