Irish Butterfly Effect

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun,

And find your shoulder to light on,

To bring you luck, happiness and riches,

Today, tomorrow and beyond.

-Irish blessing

When I was in elementary school - 5th grade art class, if memory serves - I created the painting shown in the above photo. Aside perhaps from any refrigerator art, it is the only true artistic piece I have ever painted in my life. Although never giving an official title, I have dubbed it over the years as, “Irish Butterfly Effect.” At various points of its existence, I have been indifferent toward it, shown contempt for it, and, eventually, fully appreciative and embracing of it. Again if I recall correctly, the green/orange color scheme was a random choice in honor of my Irish heritage…yet quite oblivious at the time of the historical association, and significance, of blue with Ireland! Moreover, I likewise did not know in my youth, and only until more recently, the importance of the butterfly in Irish (and Celtic) culture, history, and mythology.

Thus, I extend to you the blessing above, and defer to the links below.

Dealan-Dé: The Butterfly in Irish Mythology

The Wooing of Etain: An Irish Tale of Love, Loss, and Jealousy

©2018 Steve Sagarra