The Story of Butterfly Symbolism in Asia

Issue #16 of Asian Fabric magazine is at the printer. As I promised in a previous post, I wanted to give you some information on the symbolic meanings of the butterfly in Asia.

You’ll find instructions for the Chocho Quilt (pictured here) beginning on page 24 of Issue #16. It's always more fun if you have a story to tell with your quilt.

In Japanese culture, butterflies carry a great number of meanings. Their most apparent symbolism is that of metamorphosis or transformation; they are specifically representative of those who have died as they are thought to carry the recently departed spirits.

Butterflies also symbolize spring, and both the Chinese and Japanese generally view them as symbols of happiness and joy. They are a very popular motif in Japan, and a great number of traditional family crests (Kamon) utilize the butterfly in their designs. They’re also one of the most popular motifs in Kona Bay fabric designs.

Often associated with traditional Shinto weddings, butterflies are seen adorning the sake flasks and containers that play such a prominent role in the ceremony and are thought to symbolize happiness within marriage as well as womanhood. There is even an old Japanese custom of sending two large paper butterflies as a wedding gift.

One Japanese superstition says that if a butterfly enters your guestroom and perches behind a bamboo screen, the person whom you most love is coming to see you. Butterflies are also often seen as messengers, and in following them one will be lead to a mystery’s end.

Watch for issue #16 of Asian Fabric at your local quilt shop. Be sure to fill out the survey on page 11 and 12, too! Send in your completed survey and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win several prizes of Kona Bay fabrics. And, remember, I love seeing photos when our readers have made projects out of the magazine, even when you prepare the recipes! It's a fun issue—don't miss it!

Asian Fabric Magazine—A Peek Inside

As the next issue of Asian Fabric magazine comes together, I thought I’d give you an insider glimpse of the great things to come. Your feedback on the magazine has always been very positive and inspirational.

To celebrate the rebirth of spring and new additions to families around the globe, we’ll be featuring a beautiful grouping for the nursery. Two quilts, the Akachan and Sakana, one suitable for a girl and one for a boy, will add fascinating color and depth to your child’s room.

The creative quilts are suitable for lap quilts, as the child grows older. They’re also guaranteed to be the stand out gift at the next baby shower on your calendar. An accompanying baby bag and accessories will round out the package and have everyone cooing over your creations.

Butterflies are an ever popular Motif so Georgie Gerl, our favorite quilt designer, has also designed the stunning Chocho (butterfly) Quilt. This appliqué project will delight you and brighten your room as colorful butterflies do your blooming garden. Plus, find out about what the butterfly symbolizes in Asia and give your quilt a special story.

Travel with me as we take our first magazine visit to the fascinating country of Thailand and its capital city Bangkok. Carrying on the theme, we’ll feast on easy and delicious Thai recipes you can make and enjoy through a summer of fun.

Look for Asian Fabric Issue #16, filled with these great patterns and more, in your local quilt shops at the end of May. You can also subscribe now so you don’t miss a single issue. And, as always, I invite you to visit and find our what’s new at Kona Bay Fabrics.