Monarchs! Come North!

Monarch Butterflies, 

MARIPOSA, 

are now migrating North 

after a long hibernation 

in mountain forests 

of OYAMEL trees 

in Mexico.  

Last fall, we all decorated orange butterflies 

and created an alter of our ancestors for DIA DE LOS MUERTOS.  

In Mexico's tradition, as they welcomethe Monarchs home to rest, 

they celebrate their ancestors. The monarchs are symbols of their ancestors. 

  We learned about the symbolism and story of the MONARCH BUTTERFLIES!

Now it's Spring and the Monarchs are flying north.  

It will take 3-4 generations of them to get all the way up to NYC, (and beyond). 

Similar to the way Mexican culture celebrates the arrival of the Monarchs in Mexico, 

we can celebrate their arrival here in NY.  Now that they are coming north, we can use the stories of Mexico that make monarchs into symbols of ancestors...  to enliven our own imaginations and to reignite our treasured family dialogues about ancestors! 

1. Bring out a picture of a FAMILY ANCESTOR you love to tell stories about.  

In a garden outside, now is a great time to observe the old in relation to the new.... as you tell a story about your ancestor.  Find fall leaf beds with new sprouts rising up. 

2. Plant some MILKWEED in your garden for the caterpillars! 

3. Plant a wildflower garden for the monarchs to get nectar from! 

Keep eyes peeled for monarchs!