The story of Liang and Zhu has been circulated among the people for more than 1,700 years. It is well-known in China and is praised as the eternal masterpiece of love.
During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, there was a woman named Zhu Yingtai who liked to recite poems and books and wanted to go out to study. However, women were not allowed to show their faces outside at that time, so she disguised herself as a man and went to study in Kuaiji County. On the way, she met the scholar Liang Shanbo. The two hit it off and traveled together. Liang and Zhu were classmates for three years, but Liang Shanbo never knew that Zhu Yingtai was a girl.
Later, Zhu Yingtai interrupted her studies and returned to her hometown. Liang Shanbo went to visit Zhu Yingtai and found out that his good friend who had been classmates for three years was actually a girl. He wanted to propose marriage to the Zhu family, but at this time Zhu Yingtai was forced to get engaged to Ma Wencai, the son of the prefect.
Afterwards, Liang Shanbo became depressed and died soon after. On Zhu Yingtai's wedding day, she passed by Liang Shanbo's tomb. Suddenly, a strong wind blew up, blocking the progress of the wedding procession. Zhu Yingtai got off the sedan chair and went to Liang Shanbo's tomb to pay homage. Liang Shanbo's tomb collapsed and cracked, and Zhu Yingtai threw herself into the tomb. Later, a pair of colorful butterflies emerged from the tomb and flew away, leaving the world.
The story of Liang Zhu conveys people's pursuit of freedom and yearning for a better life, so the butterfly is also used as an important element in jewelry design of Neo Chinese Style, symbolizing transformation and rebirth, freedom and liberation of the soul, beauty and auspiciousness, blessing and good luck, as well as loyal love.
