Sunday, February 28, 2010

The Black Swan Remains



The black swan, first seen on Thursday, was still here yesterday. He or she was floating serenely on the pond.



Black swan theory subscribes rarity to the notion of black swans. Things unexpected are black swan events. Things that are a surprise, which have a major impact, and which can later be rationalized though not expected, are black swan events.



That's because prior to 1697, when black swans were discovered in Australia by the Europeans, the more civilized folks did not think such birds existed. And the birds are still quite rare, apparently.



Black swans, like all black animals, are thought by some to be devil's pets or witches familiars. Swans, though not necessarily black ones, are found in many aspects of myth, fairy tales and literature, such as the story of Leda and the Swan and Swan Lake.



Swans mate for life, leaving me to wonder if this one has lost its mate. That thought makes me sad.

7 comments:

  1. Anita, this is a most marvelous, beautiful creature. You are very fortunate!

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  2. What a pretty swan. I don't know that I've ever seen a black one before. I hope it's ok. =)

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  3. He's so awesome. I hope a girl swan finds him and they fall madly in love. Oh, gosh... do I hear a story being written here?

    Di
    The Blue Ridge Gal

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  4. It's beautiful! I've never seen a swan - white or black. You are lucky to have it visit. Is it still there?

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  5. How beautiful! It does seem sad that it's all alone. I wonder how a swan ever finds a mate when even white ones are so rare around here. You have peaked my interest to Google swans and see how they migrate.

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  6. He looks sad...I hope his mate finds him.

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