White butterflies grace the sky
Benoni residents were awed by the pretty display of millions of small, white butterflies crossing the city over the past week.
Technically, these butterflies are not migrating, as this would imply
they return to the area of their original location. The white butterflies
are in fact Brown-veined Whites Belenois Aurota, which began their
journey in the Kalahari and Northern Cape.
Due to their sheer numbers, these butterflies exhaust most of the
available food sources in the region in which they originated, and
therefore they begin to travel north east in search of a food source for
their larvae, laying their eggs as they move along. They travel as far
as Ethiopia and in some cases these creatures have even been seen
flying into the Indian Ocean.
Unfortunately for these little insects, their journey is a suicidal one, as
they basically keep flying until they die, either through sheer
exhaustion, or through predators such as birds, or often our car
windscreens.
Although seemingly prolific, these butterflies are in fact becoming
endangered as they slowly die out due to human population
eradicating the specific tree species (Capparaceae) that they migrate
toward as a food source for their larvae. In years to come, witnessing
these spectacular butterflies could be a rare sight.
Metaphorically, and spiritually, butterflies are known universally as
being connected to the human soul.
In the Christian religion, the metamorphosis of a butterfly is symbolic
of rebirth and a new beginning. In ancient Greek, the word butterfly is
“psyche” which translates to “soul”.
An old Irish saying states that butterflies are the souls of the dead
waiting to pass through purgatory. While in China, the butterfly is a
symbol of luck and long life – strange, considering that most
butterflies only live up to a few weeks.
Native American’s believe that if you have a secret you wish to keep,
capture a butterfly and whisper your wish. Since butterflies do not
speak, your secret will be safe forever, while releasing the butterfly and
restoring the balance of nature allows the creature repay you and carry
your wish to the Great Spirit, allowing your wish to be granted.
