Species: Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Status: Status under reassessment in 2020 for the Endangered Species Act
The butterflies come for the Day of the Dead
Legend from Mexico
According to legend a group of indigenous people were migrating south from the Rocky Mountains, all the way to Mexico. On the way they met cold, harsh weather, and they had a hard time moving forward. They decided to leave the children and old people behind so they could shelter while the stronger adults found the way and a new home. To weather the cold, the children and old people covered themselves in tree pollen and resin. Their god saw their suffering, took pity on them, and changed them into beautiful butterflies so that they could make the southward journey easier, and reunite with their families.
Other legends say the butterflies are (or carry) the souls of the dead on their wings. Incidentally, they arrive to their wintering places in Mexico around November 2nd, which is the traditional Day of the Dead. According to this belief, the souls of the departed come back to visit their families for the occasion.
Sources: Read the story here, here, or here.
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