They're beautiful, aren't they?
The angled fork of their tail and their graceful air acrobatics as they slice through the sky on a breeze. In and of themselves, they are lovely, without even knowing the magic, folklore and symbolism of them.
You may or may not have noticed that they grace the side bars of my blog these days, as well as my Facebook page - and even on myself as well.
They represent hope and renewal of life. They are full of romance and mystery.
They are rich with history and symbolism and were used historically by sailors as tattoos to show their sailing experience.
They represent loyalty to home and family. The promise to always return.
Their symbolism goes back thousands of years and changes from culture to culture.
But for me, they are a tribute to my parents.
To the wings they have given me to fly with.
To the love they have given me that will always be with me.
For the strength and courage for this New York Girl to accept change and start a new life with my family in Texas.
For loyalty to home and family no matter where I go.
(Sorry for the wonky Hipstamatic photo... it's hard to take a pic of the back of one's own shoulder.)
So there will always be a swallow very close to me.
(And you will most likely be starting to see them in my work too.)
Much Love!
Helena
