Butterflies have an ethereal translucent beauty. 

But their delicate beauty is just one part of their appeal. Being a powerful beacon of growth and new beginnings, the butterfly signifies the power of transformation and holds a special place in cultural and religious symbolism around the world.

In ancient Greece, the word for butterfly; ‘psyche’, literally translated as ‘soul’. Psyche was also the name for the goddess who personified the soul, often depicted with butterfly wings. Native Americans have considered butterflies as symbols of hope, and rebirth. In Chinese culture, butterflies evoke freedom, earthly beauty, and love.

Butterflies have been on earth since the ‘age of flowering plants’, dating back 135 million years to the Cretaceous period, they are as old as dinosaurs and enjoy a place in ancient folklore and mythology. 

They are also highly sensitive indicators of the health of the environment and play a crucial role in the food chain as well as being pollinators of plants. But, sadly, butterflies and moths are among the most threatened groups of wildlife in the UK.

Although the UK has 59 species of butterflies, five species of butterfly have become extinct in the last 150 years and 80% of species have decreased in either abundance or distribution since 1976.

They need our help. Now.

So, I am pledging a proportion of my profits to the Butterfly Conservation charity which helps save endangered species from extinction through the creation of safe-havens and the restoration of natural habitats for butterflies and moths.

Every ceremony I officiate for you helps with this plight. I…and the butterflies…thank you.