Live butterflies have become a popular alternative to rice, petals and confetti in the after-ceremony shower. Why butterflies?

The release of live butterflies are said to stem from an American Indian legend which says that:

"If anyone desires a wish to come true, they must first capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it. Since a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly can not reveal the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit who hears and sees all. In gratitude for giving the beautiful butterfly its freedom, the Great Spirit always grants the wish. So, according to legend, by making a wish and giving the butterfly its freedom, the wish will be taken to the heavens and be granted."

Somehow along the same line, the Japanese have always believed that butterflies represent long and happy marriages. There is an old Japanese custom of sending a wedding gift of two large paper butterflies for marital happiness.

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