Blending The Experts in Breeding and Releasing Butterflies since 2002
History
In 2002 Butterfly Releases was founded. It was discovered then that it is not easy to breed butterflies for Weddings and other releases. So in December 2002 all our intended breeders enrolled in the National School of Lepidoptera (NSL) at that time under the direction of the South African Butterfly Breeding Association (SABBA), and studied lepidoptera species in general, Common butterfly breeding techniques, Advanced butterfly breeding techniques, safety of transporting and packaging of butterflies.
These extensive courses have made our certified breeders some of the best in the world. Even today our new breeders have to be certified by the National School of Lepidoptera (NSL).
How did it all start?
From as early as the 18th Century, the symbolism of butterflies signifies something different to each person who gets one, while the meaning assigned to butterflies differs from culture to culture.
• The ancient Celts believed that butterflies were souls seeking a new mother.
• The ancient Greeks called them ‘psyche’, because their flitting from flower to flower represented the constant movement within the human mind.
• For many the releasing of butterflies at weddings symbolizes happiness, as butterflies dart off in all directions proclaiming the promised marriage of two souls bound in Gods trust and word.
• The Blackfoot tribe of American Indians believed that they bring dreams to people.
• The Chinese see them as a symbol of love.
• Many other cultures see them as a common symbol of transformation, representing a person’s metamorphosis through life.
• In some other cultures, butterflies are seen as the souls of departed relatives.
• In some images of the Garden of Eden, Adam’s soul is symbolized by a butterfly.
• In many countries the Cleopatra butterfly, is called the Easter Jesus and tend to appear around Easter and is considered a symbol of Christ’s resurrection.
• All around the world butterflies represent the winged messengers of some kind or other and always touch the souls of all humankind.
• A readily new trend in America is to hold butterfly release ceremonies to symbolize a loved one’s “release” from this life.
• According to an American Indian Legend – If anyone desires a wish to come true they must first capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it. Since 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 a butterfly its freedom, the wish will be taken to the heavens and be granted.
Butterflies are fragile and should always be treated with care and used in a proper manner for the benefit of our environments, and at the same time, we have to realize that they are there to serve a purpose as well as to provide us humans with a deep sense of understanding and a great pleasure. A sense of peace.
Imagine your wedding photos filled with beautiful butterflies surrounding the bride and groom. Or, have each guest participate by releasing a single butterfly. Either type of butterfly release will ensure that everyone will forever remember your remarkable day.
The moments that can be brightened by a butterfly release are endless. Picture your child’s special occasion embellished with a butterfly release! What child wouldn’t want to release butterflies for their birthday? Whether you want a symbolic release for a graduation party or a unique and exciting highlight to your anniversary party, a butterfly release is sure to create lasting memories for all in attendance.
Certified Breeders
Butterfly Breeding Awards
How to Order
A lot of planning goes into the safe delivering of your butterfly order. Public holidays have to be considered as virtually no courier service will make deliveries on public holidays and weekends. With years of experience we have been able to get the butterflies safely to our clients, even using private services when necessary. Sometimes we even use our Airport services. We are in constant communication with our clients right up to them receiving their butterflies safely.
Delivering your order
It’s quite simple. Look at the price list for each month, make your choice and What’s-app your order using the What’s-app button on the right hand, bottom of your screen. Our PRO will assist you with your order until completion.
Price lists 2024
Reviews from Clients
March 2021
Hi Earle
Ek moet vir jou dankie se die butterflies dit was asemrowend baie baie mooi so n’ peace restored baie dankie Earle
December 2021
Morning Earle,
Danny; I’m reading your mail and the tears are streaming down my face. Your kindness is amazing. Thank you so very much for your special gesture. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.”
February 2022
Good morning Earle
The butterfly release was absolutely amazing. There were over 200 people at the funeral and once we started handing them out, everyone swarmed us. It was absolutely the saddest day that we had ever experienced but somehow with all the love and support surrounding everyone, the butterflies brought a form of release to everyone as they let them float off into the air, and whisper a silent goodbye. I just want to thank you once again for making our day so special.
May 2022
Hi Earle, thanks – butterflies worked well – added a nice touch to the funeral as most had not seen it done before. All the best.
August 2022
“We would just like to thank you. You have help us to make our Granny’s Funeral very special. We will always remember this. All the butterflies were so beautiful and very pretty. Thank you so much. It was so beautiful. Thank you very very much. You have made it so special. Thank you “
January 2023
“Die skoenlapper, is een van God se mooiste skeppings. Twee skoenlappers wat saam vlieg, word gesien as ‘n simbool van liefde. Skoenlappers verteenwoordig die Vryheid van jou Gees, ook geluk en vreugde. Die ruspe (Onse Oumatjie) het die einde van haar lewe bereik, maar sy is nou in ‘n volgende fase. Soos ‘n mooi, skoenlapper wat vry in die lug dans. Daar was onder andere ook ‘n spesie onder hulle watgenoem word “The Mother Of Pearl”. Net soos Ouma was. Een van die skoenlappers wat ons laat gaan het, het op my dogtertjie se blaadjie kom sit. Tot die Dominee gese het Amen, en die skoenlappertjie het gevlieg. Dit het haar gesiggie laat blom. Baie dankie vir al julle moeite. Die skoenlappers was so pragtig.”
February 2023
“I just want to say a very big “THANK YOU” for the butterflies for my husband’s funeral, we played His favorite song ‘MY BUTTERFLY” WHICH HE USED TO SING TO OUR LATE DAUGHTER!!! I felt it appropriate that as the coffin left the church our special song was played and 50 butterflies handed out as a token of the 50 years we were married!!! I can honestly tell you that the Minster and everyone has been speaking about these beautiful butterflies and how peacefully they flew once we opened them!!
March 2023
It was so awesome and when my one flew away I actually ran after it shouting there goes my butterfly, it was so touching!!! So so beutiful!!! I just loved it!!! We had plus/minus 150 people attend the service as my boyfriend was very respected and well known. The impact the butterflies made on the day of was so special. “Wishing you all the very best and please stay in touch. Was a wonderful experience which touched many people’s lives as well as the children. God bless and take care.
July 2023
“Just want to say a big thank you to you and the Conservation of Butterflies in South Africa. What a wonderful idea, everybody was so thrilled. Our friend Bronnie who passed was called Bronni Butterfly because of her love for butterflies. Bron had been suffering from Cystic Vibrosis for many years. The Cystic Vibrosis Emblem is a Butterfly, so very symbolic to all who loved and attended her memorial. It was a truly magical experience, what an array of colors, shapes and sizes.”
November 2023
“I wanted to email you to let you know what a wonderful experience releasing the 20 butterflies was. Although a very emotional and sad occasion, with only 18 people attending, when each person released their butterfly, it really created a very special moment and we all were lost in our own little world. Seeing the butterflies fly off into the garden really lifted our spirits. Such a magical moment and everyone agreed that it really helped turn a very sad occasion into one of hope and acceptance. My friend, who lost her baby, thanked me for this and I in turn would like to thank you because without your help, none of this would have happened. Every butterfly was released and it was very, very special. Thanks again for your help and kindness.”
February 2024
Thank you Earle for the wonderful gift you have given us. The 10 butterflies were amazing and although it was cloudy, they perched all around us, on my hand, Maries dress and on the minister’s face. We even laughed. We will never forget this experience and whish you well with this amazing service you provide. God bless you.
Contact Us
Use the What’s-app button on the right hand of the screen bellow and send a direct message to us or email us on order@butterflyrelease.co.za
Affiliations
Conservation of Butterflies in South Africa (CBISA) 1973 – 2024
The South African Butterfly breeding association (SABBA) 2004 -2024
The Western Cape Butterfly Breeding Association (WCBBA) 2021 – 2024
The National School of Lepidoptera (NSL) 2023 – 2024
Butterfly Releases (Founded in 2002)
In Association with South African Butterfly Breeding Association (SABBA)
A Non Profit Company (NPC) – Registration No. 2005/035553/08, P. O. Box 599, Ramsgate, 4285.
We have been supplying butterflies as confetti since 2002.
Note; This service is not available to wedding/function Coordinators or wedding/function Venues To avoid misunderstandings and misrepresentations
– we do not deal with third parties –